Aspro Susan Goldstein

Susan Goldstein is a South African public health researcher whose work spans health economics, health policy, and the commercial determinants of health. Affiliated with leading research institutions in South Africa, her scholarship focuses on strengthening health systems, advancing health equity, and informing evidence-based policy in low- and middle-income settings.

Her publications demonstrate strong expertise in economic evaluation and policy analysis, particularly in relation to non-communicable diseases, HIV prevention, kidney disease management, and universal health coverage. She has contributed influential modelling studies on health taxes, including sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice levies, highlighting their implications for diabetes prevention, revenue generation, and financial risk protection. Her work also interrogates corporate political activity, food environments, and alcohol regulation, illuminating how industry practices shape public health outcomes.

Goldstein’s research further examines health service delivery and system resilience, including the impact of COVID-19 on chronic care and access to medicines in rural South Africa. Through rigorous quantitative methods and policy-engaged research, she has helped shape debates on equitable access to care, migrant health rights, and sustainable health financing, positioning her as a key voice in advancing population health and regulatory reform in the region.