Ntombifuthi Blose, MPH

Ntombi is a Public Health Researcher and Data Scientist at Health Systems Trust (HST). She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (passed with distinction) from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Her Master’s research focused on childhood vaccinations in the City of Cape Town.

Her early career was rooted at the UCT, where she worked on research involving HIV infected mothers and HIV exposed children as a Research Assistant, then Study Co-ordinator.

She thereafter worked at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) as a Senior Scientist, where she contributed to national health policy and the development of South Africa’s COVID-19 guidelines.

At HST, she contributes to the District Health Barometer and South African Health Review, focusing on data analysis for health system monitoring and policy planning. She also leads the development of a co-designed web-based dashboard to support HIV and TB programme planning, improve access to accurate information, and address health-related misinformation.

Ntombi is currently pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology, hosted at the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, and is being mentored by Prof Frank Tanser. Her research focuses on the evolving behavioural, and contextual factors shaping HIV outcomes in hyperendemic rural regions of Southern Africa. The project applies mixed methods to inform context-specific public health responses.