Leading the charge for children's respiratory health

IN A CELEBRATION of remarkable women making significant contributions to academia and healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Refiloe Masekela stands out as a shining example of dedication and innovation.

- SIPHO JACK

As Dean and Head of the School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), she has established herself as a leader in the field of paediatric pulmonology, earning accolades both locally and internationally.

Masekela's work extends well beyond her role at UKZN. She is a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as a global health research professor, who focuses her research efforts on asthma interventions that specifically target paediatric populations.

Her commitment to children's health has led to significant strides in understanding and treating asthma, a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide.

Central to her research interests is the epidemiology of asthma, with a keen emphasis on ensuring equitable access to affordable medications.