Adj Antoinette Cilliers

Antoinette Cilliers is a South African pediatric cardiologist based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand. Her work centers on congenital and acquired heart disease in children, with a strong commitment to advancing pediatric cardiac services across resource-limited settings.

Her research spans pediatric heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital cardiac anomalies, and cardiovascular complications of systemic illnesses such as sickle cell anemia. She has contributed to major international clinical trials, including investigations of sacubitril/valsartan in pediatric heart failure, and has helped evaluate novel therapies such as arginine supplementation for vaso-occlusive crises.

Cilliers’ scholarship reflects a dual focus on rigorous clinical investigation and health systems strengthening. Through studies addressing access to cardiac care in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of emerging health threats on vulnerable children, her work has informed practice, policy, and capacity building in pediatric cardiology.