Olive Shisana

Dr. Olive Shisana is an expert in research, management, policy development, fundraising, and multilateral engagement, with over 35 years of experience. She has worked in the USA, South Africa, and Switzerland, strengthening her ability to manage diverse environments. Dr. Shisana currently serves as the Social Policy Special Advisor to the President of South Africa, providing guidance on health, education, social development, gender and National Health Insurance. Her research and writing focuses on HIV, gender-based violence and National Health Insurance . She previously chaired the Ministerial National Health Insurance Advisory Committee, contributing to developing legislation, service provision, and quality improvement plans. Dr. Shisana was the technical co-chair of the global ACT-A, which works to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and diagnostics, supported by health system strengthening. She earned a Doctor of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in epidemiology and risk factors of non-communicable diseases. She founded the South African population-based HIV survey, gaining international recognition. She is an honorary Professor at the University of Cape Town and was awarded a Doctor of Laws by Monash University in 2014. Dr. Shisana also chaired the South African BRICS Think Tank and served as CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council for 10 years. Currently, she is President and CEO of Evidence Based Solutions, and founder of Cape Nexis Data Solutions and the CapeNexis ICT Hub. She received the Presidential Order of Baobab in Bronze for her contributions to science and community service, particularly her work in HIV/AIDS.