In celebration of Women’s Month, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria is shining a spotlight on the accomplishments of Dr. Kuhlula Maluleke, an emerging researcher and senior lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH).

Dr. Maluleke’s journey into health sciences began with a deeply personal experience. “My inspiration to pursue a career in health sciences began at a young age,” she recalls. “I grew up in a middle-class family with access to medical aid. The nearest private hospital was more than 100 kilometres away, so when I was diagnosed with malaria at the age of 11, I had to be admitted to a public hospital.”

The experience of seeing stark disparities in healthcare within the same facility left a lasting impression on her. “At the hospital, there was an option to stay in a private ward, which could be paid for out of pocket or partially covered by medical aid. Patients who could afford to pay, received high-quality care, while those relying on free healthcare were subjected to significantly poorer services. This contrast made me acutely aware of the deep inequalities in healthcare access. It inspired me to pursue a career in health sciences, with a commitment to addressing these disparities and working towards equitable healthcare for all, regardless of financial status.”

Dr. Maluleke’s story is nothing short of inspiring. She embarked on her PhD journey amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many aspects of academic life were disrupted. Despite these challenges, Dr. Maluleke not only completed her PhD in record time but also managed to produce high-quality research that contributes significantly to the fields of epidemiology and biostatistics. From her PhD research, she successfully published five manuscripts in internationally accredited high-impact journals.

Following her PhD, Dr. Maluleke seamlessly transitioned into a postdoctoral position, where her contributions continued to grow. She successfully supervised two Master’s students to completion, guiding them through their research while also providing valuable teaching and biostatistical support at the Faculty level. Her ability to juggle these demanding roles with grace and efficiency highlights her exceptional commitment to both her students and her field.

Recently appointed as a senior lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the SHSPH, Dr. Maluleke’s impact is already being felt. Her expertise and dedication to advancing health sciences through both research and teaching make her a valuable asset to the University of Pretoria. She represents the future of health sciences, where emerging researchers are not only contributors to knowledge but also mentors and leaders guiding the next generation.

In her current role, Dr. Maluleke is not only a senior lecturer but also an active researcher. She teaches epidemiology and biostatistics while providing biostatistical consultations to support students and staff with their research needs. Her research focuses on addressing supply chain management challenges for health products in resource-limited settings—an area that is increasingly vital for ensuring equitable access to essential medicines and diagnostics.

Despite her demanding professional responsibilities, Dr. Maluleke emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life requires deliberate planning and time management,” she says. “Prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, and being flexible has helped me manage my academic, research, and personal commitments. I also believe in making time for self-care and connecting with loved ones to recharge.”

Like many women in academia, Dr. Maluleke has faced challenges in her career. “One of the significant challenges I have faced is dealing with superiors who believe they own the research space. Some of these individuals have been reluctant to empower others, withholding crucial information, and showing little interest in fostering the growth of those around them.”

To overcome these obstacles, she has focused on building a supportive network. “I have focused on building my own network of mentors and peers who value knowledge-sharing and collaboration. By surrounding myself with individuals who are supportive and invested in my growth, I have been able to advance in my career despite the obstacles. My experiences have reinforced the importance of resilience and the power of community.”

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Maluleke is particularly proud of the collaborations she has fostered over the past three years. “The research methodologies I employed for my PhD and postdoctoral work pushed me to seek help from town planners with geographic information systems and software engineers in designing a mobile web application. I never expected to collaborate with such professionals in my field. These partnerships not only propelled my career forward, but also highlighted the endless possibilities and how multifaceted public health is.”

This experience underscored for her the value of collaboration. “Leveraging the strengths of others can lead to remarkable achievements,” she notes.

As a senior lecturer and researcher, Dr. Maluleke is committed to mentoring and supporting other women in her field. “I believe in fostering an environment where women can thrive by offering guidance, sharing opportunities, and encouraging open dialogue. One of my core principles is being a proponent of lifelong learning. We often learn the most from people we least expect to learn from, which is why it's important to always keep an open mind.”

Her advice to young women aspiring to enter the health sciences is clear: “Believe in your potential, pursue continuous growth, and never underestimate the value of collaboration. Don’t despise small beginnings—every step, no matter how small, is a move forward. When faced with a task, don’t tell yourself you can’t do it. Try doing it, even if you’re confused or unsure; keep going, ask for help and one day, everything will make sense. There’s plenty of room for all of us at the top, and by lifting each other up, we can all succeed in this field.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Maluleke sees a bright future for women in health sciences. “Women bring a unique perspective to the health sciences profession, particularly in areas that require empathy, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail,” she explains. “In my work as an epidemiologist and biostatistician, I’ve seen firsthand how women contribute to creating more inclusive and comprehensive health solutions, especially in resource-limited settings where precision is key.”

She also highlights the importance of diversity in enhancing the field. “Diversity allows us to approach complex problems from multiple angles, ensuring that no one is left behind. Having women at the forefront of health research ensures that solutions are both equitable and sustainable.”

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women. One key initiative is the Women in Science initiative, which Dr. Maluleke has attended for three consecutive years. “This initiative provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and sharing experiences with other women in science. It fosters collaboration, allowing women to join forces on research projects, share resources, and support each other’s advancement.”

As Dr. Maluleke looks to the future, she envisions women taking on even greater leadership roles in health sciences. “I see women not just as participants but as leaders who drive change, whether through cutting-edge research, teaching, or policy development. By fostering an environment that encourages mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning, we can ensure that women continue to rise and lead in this field.”