Local businesswoman with a passion for public health
RANDBURG – As we celebrate Women's Month, local businesswoman Neliswa Dladla is committed to playing an integral part in public health research.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, local businesswoman, Neliswa Dladla, is committed to playing an integral part in public health research.
Dladla, a single mother, is the Gauteng regional manager for Epicentre, an organisation that focuses on public health research and implements programmes across the country. Armed with a master’s degree in population studies, a bachelor’s degree in social work and a diploma in project management, Dladla is passionate about public health programmes that will impact lives.
“I love the scope and diversity of the work that I do and am privileged to work with a very efficient and hardworking team that shares a common vision,” said Dladla.
Over the last 18 years, Epicentre has played a major role in responding to the HIV epidemic. Initially conducting HIV prevalence, workplace and HIV treatment programmes within numerous corporate companies, followed by larger more complex research projects including the HEAIDS University study in 2008 to 2009, testing 25 000 students and staff.
“In the last three years alone we have conducted no less than 13 different research projects in partnership with leading researchers. Our team collects robust surveillance data to control diseases in South Africa and neighbouring countries as well as the collaboration with leading scientists to guide interventions that benefit people more efficiently,” explained Dladla.
For her, Women’s Month is an important time to recognise the progress women from all walks of life have made. She added, this a special time to honour the thousands of women who fought for equal rights and paved the way for the women of today. “It is also important to acknowledge the women that have played a significant role and made a difference in our own lives,” she said.
Her advice for fellow working women is to always strive for greatness. “Remain focused on your goals, work hard and enjoy the journey towards achieving your dreams.”
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