Dr. Ngoakoana Mahlachana

Ngoakoana Mahlachana is a South African clinician-researcher in paediatric haematology and oncology, contributing to national collaborative studies focused on childhood cancers and bleeding disorders. Affiliated with multi-centre paediatric oncology initiatives in South Africa, Mahlachana has played a key role in generating countrywide data to inform harmonised treatment guidelines and improve equitable access to care.

Research centres on extracranial germ cell tumours and rare paediatric malignancies, including sex cord stromal tumours, with emphasis on survival outcomes, prognostic factors, and the impact of stage and socio-economic context. This work has supported the development of national protocols and highlighted disparities influencing outcomes in low- and middle-income settings.

Additional contributions include innovative application of machine learning to predict treatment response in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma using accessible laboratory markers, as well as advocacy for prophylactic strategies in haemophilia care. Collectively, this scholarship reflects strengths in collaborative research, resource-adapted oncology, and translation of evidence into national policy and clinical practice.