Prof Koleka Mlisana

Koleka Mlisana is a South African clinical microbiologist and public health leader affiliated with the National Health Laboratory Service and academic institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. Her work spans infectious diseases, laboratory medicine, and health systems research, with a strong focus on translating national laboratory data into policy-relevant evidence. She is widely recognized for contributions to antimicrobial resistance surveillance and the strengthening of diagnostic services.

Her recent publications highlight sustained evaluation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, demonstrating broad direct and indirect effects across age groups. She has also led influential analyses of tuberculosis dynamics, including recurrent TB, drug-resistant TB care models, diagnostic gaps in molecular assays, and national testing patterns, shaping strategies for earlier detection and improved treatment pathways.

Beyond TB, her research addresses HIV-associated opportunistic infections, cryptococcal screening outcomes, gonococcal antimicrobial resistance using whole-genome sequencing, and gaps in diabetes care cascades. A consistent strength is the use of large-scale laboratory cohorts to inform equitable service delivery, guide guideline implementation, and support integrated chronic disease management in high-burden settings.