Nthoesele Shoeshoe Letoao, MSc

PhD Student

Nthoesele Shoeshoe Letoao is a dynamic and results-oriented Public Health and Strategic Information Specialist with over 15 years of experience designing, managing, and optimizing HIV/AIDS programs across Southern Africa. With a strong foundation in HIV/AIDS programming, Spatial Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), strategic planning, health systems strengthening, and data-driven decision-making, she brings a powerful blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership to advancing the HIV response.

Her professional career spans impactful roles in Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, where she has led national M&E and Strategic Information portfolios for PEPFAR- and Global Fund–supported HIV/AIDS programs. Nthoesele has a proven track record in driving program implementation, performance monitoring, quality improvement (QA/QI), and innovation in HIV service delivery, while fostering strong partnerships with governments, donors, and communities. Her work has consistently translated data into action—expanding HIV testing and treatment access, strengthening health information systems, and advancing equitable public health outcomes.

Nthoesele holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics and a Master’s degree in Geo-Informatics. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Stellenbosch University, under the mentorship of the Director of the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Prof. Frank Tanser. Her doctoral research focuses on quantifying spatio-temporal and demographic shifts in HIV incidence and viral load dynamics in KwaZulu-Natal (2004–2026). This work enhances understanding of localized transmission patterns and treatment impacts, supporting more targeted and effective public health interventions.

Project title

Quantifying the space-time variation in HIV incidence and population viral load in Kwazulu-Natal 2004-2025

Supervisor(s)

Prof Frank Tanser, Dr Benn Satorius