Is a public health scholar and researcher based in Durban. With over 20 years of experience in operational, implementation, behavioural, and health systems research, his work focuses on improving access to quality healthcare for uninsured and underserved populations. His research journey began in HIV and malaria and has since expanded to cancer prevention and control, consistently centring equity and systems strengthening. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Sciences from the University of Durban-Westville, a Master of Arts and a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a Master of Public Health from the University of the Western Cape. Prof. Hlongwana is an Associate Prof. in Public Health, where he teaches, supervises postgraduate students, leads research, mentors emerging academics, and engages communities to drive meaningful health change. Through donor-funded implementation science grants, he leads projects that introduce innovative interventions to improve healthcare access. He serves as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator on several local and international collaborations, including the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program spanning nine African countries. His work has established patient navigation systems and psychosocial support services for lung cancer patients in South Africa, fast-tracking diagnosis and care for vulnerable communities. A committed leader, he has served on regional malaria commissions, research ethics committees, and national civil society boards. He envisions a socially just world where equitable access to healthcare is guaranteed, and no one dies from preventable or treatable conditions due to poverty or geography.
