Mrs. Nelly Jinga

Nelly Jinga is a South African public health researcher whose work centers on maternal and child health in high HIV and tuberculosis burden settings. Affiliated with research initiatives in Gauteng Province, her scholarship supports the strengthening of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs and integrated HIV, TB, and reproductive health services within primary care and midwife obstetric units.

Her publications examine timing of antenatal care, immunologic and virologic status in pregnancy, postpartum depression, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among women, adolescents, and young adults. She has also investigated pregnancy outcomes among women treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis and evaluated digital and counseling-based interventions to improve retention and early infant HIV diagnosis.

Across clinical trials, cross-sectional surveys, and qualitative studies, Jinga highlights patient-provider dynamics, health system barriers, and behavioral determinants shaping care engagement. Her work contributes evidence to optimize early testing, treatment adherence, and postpartum follow-up, informing policies aimed at reducing vertical HIV transmission and improving outcomes for vulnerable mothers and infants.