In celebration of Women's Month, we shine a spotlight on Dr. Tsakane Hlongwane, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and her exceptional contributions in maternal health research as a Young Scientist.

Dr. Tsakane Hlongwane's impact is deeply etched in the annals of medical research, particularly within the realm of maternal health. As a distinguished Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Hlongwane has garnered praise and recognition for her dedication to advancing women's health and well-being. Her journey has been marked by unwavering commitment, ground breaking discoveries, and a fervent passion for scientific exploration.

Dr. Hlongwane's influence extends beyond her role as a medical professional. She is a valued member of the teaching and research team at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as the prestigious University of Pretoria's Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn, and Child Health Care Strategies. Her commitment to enriching the academic and research landscape is palpable through her involvement in various educational initiatives, including bedside teaching, lectures, and the mentorship of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Hlongwane's dedication to knowledge dissemination is exemplified by her engagement in programmess, such as contribution to maternity care guidelines, training in Essential Steps in Managing Obstetrics Emergencies, which reflects her commitment to improving healthcare on a broader scale.

Dr. Hlongwane's journey of excellence is characterised by her dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration. She is a TUKS young research leader fellow, and she participated in the African Early Career Researcher workshop hosted by the University of Pretoria. This experience underscored the significance of cross-disciplinary research among emerging scholars across Africa, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in shaping the future of scientific inquiry.

Dr. Hlongwane's impact is evident through her scholarly output, boasting nearly 15 publications that span international and local platforms. Her work has graced the pages of esteemed journals such as the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, as well as influential local publications like the South African Medical Journal. Her expertise extends to the realm of peer review, where she has lent her critical insights to manuscripts for a range of esteemed local and international journals.

Dr. Hlongwane's contributions extend far beyond her immediate sphere. She has collaborated with the World Health Organization's Sexual and Reproductive research division, contributing to studies aimed at enhancing maternal health and improving antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Her influence is also reflected in policies that she has actively shaped, including the National Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Health Policy, the National COVID-19 Clinical and Operational Guideline for Mothers, Newborns, and Children, and the Global Stillbirth Advocacy and Implementation Guide.

Her academic journey is punctuated by an array of qualifications that underline her commitment to excellence. A graduate of the University of Pretoria, she has earned degrees ranging from MBChB to MMed Obstetrics and Gynaecology, culminating in her recent achievement of a PhD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Her doctoral research focused on devising innovative methods to reduce unexplained stillbirths in South Africa, a critical area that demands attention.

Dr. Hlongwane's doctoral research has yielded ground breaking insights that have the potential to revolutionize maternal health. By utilizing a continuous-wave Doppler device known as the Umbiflow, she assessed fetal umbilical artery blood flow to indirectly gauge placental function. Her findings uncovered a higher prevalence of end-stage placental disease in South Africa compared to high-income countries. Through strategic application of this data alongside a standard management plan, antenatal stillbirths experienced a transformative decline, offering hope for a brighter maternal health landscape.

Dr. Tsakane Hlongwane's journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of dedicated female scientists. Her impact on maternal health research, policy advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration has sparked change that resonates far beyond the confines of academia. As Women's Month unfolds, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals to forge new paths of discovery, compassion, and innovation.