Miss Florence Mathebula

Florence Mathebula is a public health researcher focused on HIV prevention and treatment implementation in sub-Saharan Africa. Her scholarship centers on women, children, and families, with particular attention to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood. Working extensively with multi-country trial networks, she contributes qualitative and mixed-methods expertise to studies embedded within large clinical trials.

Her publications highlight the acceptability and user experiences of biomedical HIV prevention technologies, including the dapivirine vaginal ring, oral PrEP, and long-acting implants for children living with HIV. She examines how mental health, intimate partner violence, family dynamics, and community influences shape adherence and uptake, emphasizing culturally grounded, participant-informed approaches to product rollout.

Mathebula’s work also addresses structural disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on healthcare access and HIV vulnerability. A consistent strength across her research is the integration of stakeholder perspectives—pregnant and breastfeeding women, caregivers, grandmothers, male partners, and providers—to inform equitable, context-responsive HIV prevention and treatment strategies.