Natisha Dukhi
About me
Natisha Dukhi is a public health scientist whose interdisciplinary research bridges science, leadership, advocacy, and sustainable development. With a PhD in Public Health and over a decade of experience as a medical scientist, lecturer, and researcher, she has addressed complex health challenges across Africa and globally. Her expertise spans child and adolescent health, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, gender-based violence, and mobile health - critical areas for advancing health equity. As a Senior Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council, she leads and contributes to large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects. A prolific scientist, and mentor, her advocacy is reflected in roles as a Fellow of the Africa Science Leadership Programme, former Co-Chair of the South African Young Academy of Science, and Executive Committee member of the Global Young Academy. Recipient of the Gro Brundtland Award, she is committed to inclusive science that shapes policy, strengthens health systems, and empowers future scientists.
Dr Natisha Dukhi is a dynamic public health scientist whose interdisciplinary research bridges science, leadership, advocacy, and sustainable development. She holds a PhD in Public Health and brings over a decade of experience as a medical scientist, lecturer, and researcher, with a strong track record of addressing complex health challenges across Africa and globally. Her core expertise lies in child and adolescent health, nutrition, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a special interest in gender-based violence (GBV), and mobile health (mHealth) - critical areas in advancing health equity, sustainability and equity agenda and resilience. As a Senior Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council, Dr Dukhi has contributed to several large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects, serving as Principal Investigator, co-PI, and Project Director. Her work is grounded in evidence-based approaches that inform public health policy and practice, particularly in underserved communities. A prolific scientist, and mentor, her leadership extends to science diplomacy and advocacy, evidenced by her roles as a Fellow of the Africa Science Leadership Programme, former Co-Chair of the South African Young Academy of Science, and current member of the Global Young Academy. Dr Dukhi is a thought leader and an active voice to national and international science platforms. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications and received international recognition, including the prestigious Gro Brundtland Award. She advances impactful, evidence-based science to address health inequities and the SDGs, shaping policy and practice for healthier, more equitable, and sustainable communities in Africa and globally.
