Prof Lufuno Makhado stands as a distinguished figure in the fields of Public Health and Community Nursing Science, currently serving as a Full Professor in the Department of Public Health at the UNIVEN. He is a visionary academic and researcher, and brings a powerful blend of scholarly excellence, policy influence, and frontline healthcare insight to every role he undertakes, most recently, his appointment to the Editorial Board of HIV Nursing Matters by the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society.
With a PhD in Nursing and Community Nursing Science, Prof Makhado’s work is deeply rooted in addressing the psychosocial dimensions of healthcare delivery. His
impactful research spans HIV care, TB, mental health, reproductive health, epilepsy, and gender-based violence. He is especially recognised for his work in strengthening the psychosocial well-being of both healthcare workers and people living with HIV (PLWH), crafting conceptual models like NIMART to support resilience and improve mental health in clinical settings.
Prof Makhado is the Principal Investigator of the high-impact GENIUS-CARE Project, which addresses TB-HIV co-infection in South African primary care. He also serves as Co-PI for the UCSF-led Study VIII, exploring COVID-19’s psychosocial impact on PLWH among others.
His dedication to research excellence has earned him accolades, including the Hall of Fame for Research Excellence in Nursing Award (2022) and recognition as a Y2 NRF-rated researcher from 2021–2026.
As a proven academic leader, he has held key positions including Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies at UNIVEN and has guided over 35 postgraduate students. His editorial leadership spans top-tier journals such as BMC Nursing, PLOS One, and Health SA Gesondheid.
With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, Prof Makhado continues to influence healthcare policy, clinical practice, and community-based interventions. His work consistently champions psychosocial support frameworks for underserved communities, reinforcing the vital human element in public health systems.
Prof Makhado is not just a researcher, but he is a builder of healthier systems, stronger minds, and more resilient communities.
UNIVEN stands tall and proudly celebrates Prof Lufuno Makhado’s appointment to the Editorial Advisory Board of HIV Nursing Matters, a publication by the South African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHIVCS). HIV Nursing Matters focuses on rights-based care. His continued recognition on national and international platforms is a testament to the calibre of academic excellence and impactful research nurtured at our institution. Prof Makhado’s achievements embody the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge that transforms lives and serves communities. We are inspired by his dedication, and we stand firmly behind him as he continues to elevate the reputation of UNIVEN through scholarly leadership and community-centred research.
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University of Venda
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