Prof Matthew Chersich

Matthew Chersich is a public health researcher based in South Africa, widely recognized for his work on climate change, maternal and child health, and HIV. Affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand and linked to global collaborations, his research bridges epidemiology, clinical trials, and policy engagement, with a strong focus on health equity in sub-Saharan Africa.

His publications highlight a sustained commitment to understanding how heat exposure and climate variability affect pregnancy, neonatal outcomes, and vulnerable populations. Through systematic reviews, individual participant data meta-analyses, and transdisciplinary cohort studies such as the HE2AT and Bio-HEAT initiatives, he advances knowledge on biological pathways, social determinants, and urban risk mapping using data science and machine learning.

Chersich has also contributed to major HIV treatment trials and to global health policy debates, including advocacy for stronger WHO engagement on greenhouse gas control. His work stands out for integrating environmental science, clinical research, and implementation strategies, supporting climate-resilient health systems and evidence-informed adaptation in African and global contexts.