Prof. Adrian Puren

I am pleased to invite you to the PathReD Congress 2025, a landmark event where key stakeholders in pathology, research, and diagnostics converge to redefine the future of healthcare. This year's theme is "Bridging the Gap." The NHLS's vision is to be a centre of excellence for innovative laboratory and clinical medicine, and its mission is to be an employee-centred organisation that strives to provide patient-centred services while fostering community health and well-being through innovation, collaboration, and equity. As a hybrid congress offering both in-person and virtual participation, this year's gathering promises to be more dynamic, interactive, and thought-provoking than ever before.

PathReD Congress 2025 is not just a gathering but a pivotal forum where all stakeholders in pathology, research, public health and diagnostics come together to shape the future of medical science. In an era of unprecedented research acceleration, this event is a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and expertise and driving the next frontier of medical science.

This Congress is more than just a meeting of professionals—it is a forge of innovation. Keynote presentations from world-renowned experts enrich the programme, and cutting-edge research showcases insightful workshops and exhibitions from leading institutions. Furthermore, PathReD Congress 2025 will explore topics key to redefining pathology and laboratory medicine today. Most importantly, we continue our unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of scientific leaders, ensuring that young and emerging researchers are equipped with the knowledge and networks to drive change and inspire the future of our field.

Whether you are a seasoned expert pushing the boundaries of discovery or an aspiring scientist eager to learn, PathReD Congress 2025 is where you need to be. It is not just an event but a unique opportunity for collaboration, where you can connect with peers, share knowledge, and witness the future of diagnostic medicine unfold.

Join us. Engage. Innovate. Lead.

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Adrian Puren
Chairperson: PathReD Congress 2025 Scientific Committee

Prof. Komala Pillay

Professor Komala Pillay is the Wernher and Beit Chair and Head of the Division of Anatomical Pathology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) since January 2020. In July 2022, she was appointed as the Head of Department of Pathology at UCT/NHLS comprising eight divisions.

Prof Pillay qualified as a pathologist in 2004 and has specialist qualifications in South Africa (CMSA) and the United Kingdom (RCPath). She was a consultant pathologist at UCT/NHLS since 2005 and practised as the only anatomical pathologist at RCWMCH from 2007-2019 also contributing significantly to research (more than 100 publications) and teaching (undergraduate and postgraduate).

She is the Chair of the Anatomical Pathology Expert Committee (APEC) for the NHLS, President of the College of Pathologists of South Africa (CMSA) and sub-Saharan country advisor for Royal College of Pathologists.

Prof. Zivanai Cuthbert Chapanduka

Zivanai Cuthbert Chapanduka MD (Zi) is currently associate professor and head of the division of haematological pathology at Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Service department of haematology in Cape Town South Africa.

He obtained two diplomas in medical laboratory technology and the MBChB degrees from the University of Zimbabwe. He did his specialist haematology training at University of Natal Medical School, graduating FCPath(SA).Haematology in 1995. Zi then worked as a Transfusion Medicine Fellow and Deputy Medical Director at the Natal Blood Transfusion. After 4 years in private pathology practice, he worked abroad in clinical and laboratory haematology, and laboratory administration. He graduated, MBA(Liverpool) in 2008 and worked in the pharmaceutical industry as Medical and Regulatory Director, and Corporate Affairs for South and Sub-Saharan Africa then in Sales and Marketing in the UAE, Oman and Bahrain.

Zi has many research interests. Having started his research career in dietary iron overload, his current research portfolio includes the subjects: Leadership, Management and Administration, Artificial Intelligence in diagnostic pathology, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Multiple Myeloma and general laboratory haematology.

Prof Chapanduka is a Trustee and Senator of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and President of the Federation of South African Societies of Pathology. He sits on several committees of Stellenbosch University and boards of directors of private companies.

Prof. Johnny Mahlangu

Johnny Mahlangu is a full professor of Hematology and academic head of the Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service. He is also a consultant clinical haematologist in charge of Haematology at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Johnny received his undergraduate and postgraduate training in science and medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, earning haematology specialist and clinical haematology sub-specialist qualifications through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. His primary area of research focuses on novel therapies for bleeding disorders, where he has served as principal investigator for more than 100 international multicenter studies.

He has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles including articles in high-impact journals, such as NEJM, Lancet, Blood, and JTH. He has delivered 600 oral presentations and poster abstracts at both national and international scientific meetings. His academic citizenships include previous and current membership over 40 national and international scientific committees.

He is a recipient of over 30 awards and honours, including the American Society of Haematology Ernest Beutler Prize, European Allied and Haemophilia Disorders (EAHAD) Best Presentation Award, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Esteemed Career Award and Research & Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis Journal Distinguished Reviewer Award. Johnny is an elected member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and NRF B-rated scientist.

Prof Wolfgang Preiser

Prof. Wolfgang Preiser is a medical virologist who specialised in his home town Frankfurt, Germany, and at University College London. He received his second doctoral degree (Habilitation) in 2005 while working as a consultant virologist in Frankfurt. Since 2005 Wolfgang Preiser has been Professor and Head of the Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch / National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Tygerberg.

His principal research interests cover three broad themes: (I) diagnosis of HIV infection and monitoring antiretroviral therapy, from antibody testing to resistance genotyping; (II) the epidemiology, diagnosis and monitoring of opportunistic viral infections, esp. hepatitis B and cytomegalovirus, in immunocompromised patients; and (III) emerging and potentially zoonotic viral diseases. He served as a temporary advisor to the World Health Organization on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China in 2003 and led the Frankfurt group who, together with colleagues from Hamburg, were among the first to isolate the SARS-associated coronavirus in spring 2003.

He is heavily involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in charge of one of two public service laboratories for the Western Cape Province and through membership of the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19, the InterAcademy Partnership COVID-19 Expert Group, the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition, as well as several other bodies at institutional, provincial, national and international level.

Prof. Bavesh Kana

Professor Bavesh Kana directs a research and innovation unit at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He is a consultant for the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute in Cambridge, USA. He obtained his PhD at Wits and has worked in several international institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Texas A&M University, the Public Health Research Institute in New Jersey and Harvard Medical School. He directed the DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research, a national centre with nodes at Wits, Stellenbosch University and UCT. He also represented South Africa on the BRICS TB Research Network and was an external consultant for the South African Medical Research Council.

He studies TB with a focus on developing new drugs, with a shorter treatment duration and fewer side effects. In this context, he has established several clinical cohorts dedicated to better understanding TB treatment response and TB transmission in the household. His laboratory also focuses on new vaccine development. He has translated his research into products that enable quality assurance and verification of TB and Covid diagnostic devices. This has led to spinout a biotech company and currently, these products are being used in over 50 countries around the world.

He has also translated his research into products that enable quality assurance and verification of tuberculosis diagnostic devices. This has led to spinout a Biotech company and currently, these products are being used in over 50 countries around the world. In 2020, he pivoted this technology to support national diagnosis of Covid-19, through supporting laboratories in the public sector. He created a new series of products that enabled mass testing in South Africa, these have now been rolled out to 34 countries. For these and related activities, his team was awarded the South African National Science and Technology Forum Innovation Award in 2021.

His outstanding contribution to science and the health of people suffering with TB is illustrated by numerous local and international accolades. In recognition for his pioneering approach to research, Prof. Kana was appointed as an Early Career Scientist of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute where he was selected from over 700 applicants from around the world and represented one of only two awards made to the African continent.

He was selected as one of the 200 top young South Africans by the Mail and Guardian newspaper and was also awarded the South African Medical Research Council Scientific Merit Award (Silver and Gold) for outstanding scientific contribution to health research. He received the CEO Titan Award, given to influential men who embody the spirit of excellence and have made meaningful contributions to shift the African landscape towards sustainable growth. For health innovations, his team was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Award and the National Science and Technology Forum Innovation Award. Recently, he was awarded the South African National Research Foundation Societal Impact Award, given to a scientist whose work has positively impacted on communities in South Africa and globally.

Prof. Koleka Mlisana

Dear PathRed Delegate,

As the CEO of the NHLS and Patron of PathReD, I am delighted to welcome you to the 6th PathReD Congress, a flagship event of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). This year, we proudly continue our overarching theme of Enriching Health Through Research, with a focused emphasis on Bridging the Gap: Pathology in resource-limited settings. This theme underscores our commitment to tackling healthcare inequities and advancing pathology and laboratory medicine in environments where resources are often scarce.

At the NHLS, we are driven by a clear vision: to be a leader in high-quality diagnostic and pathology services, fuelled by innovation, research, and a dedicated commitment to public health. Our mission is steadfast: to provide accessible, equitable, and efficient laboratory services that address the health needs of all South Africans.

As we align with the emerging National Health Insurance framework, we are committed to enhancing our role in ensuring that high-quality diagnostics and pathology services are accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.

Having said that, one of the three NHLS pillars is research – the lifeblood of progress. The NHLS is wholeheartedly dedicated to cultivating an environment that inspires innovation and drives discovery. This makes PathReD 2025 an excellent opportunity for new researchers to present their work, collaborate with experienced experts, and significantly contribute to the advancement of pathology and laboratory medicine. The NHLS acknowledges the critical importance of fostering the development of the next generation of researchers. To this end, it actively promotes meaningful collaboration between emerging and established scientists, facilitating the creation of effective solutions to urgent public health challenges.

Lest we forget, PathReD is not merely a congress; it is a powerful celebration of the crucial role that pathology and laboratory medicine play in diagnostics, research, and public health. As we gather for this 6th edition, we proudly reflect on our significant strides and the vast opportunities that await us. This event also offers a unique chance for industry partners to engage with the NHLS, explore fruitful collaborations, and gain access to innovative technologies that can revolutionize healthcare delivery.

I am continually inspired by the passion and commitment of all those who contribute to this remarkable event. Together, we will bridge the gap, enrich health through research, and chart a course for a healthier, more equitable future. I invite you to join us in making PathReD 2025 an outstanding success.

We eagerly anticipate an inspiring and productive PathReD 2025!
Warm regards,
Prof Koleka Mlisana
NHLS Chief Executive Officer
Patron of PathReD

Prof. Adrian Puren

Professor Puren has been the Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) since January 2022 and continues as Head of the Centre for HIV and STIs. Prof Adrian Puren was trained and held a lectureship at the University of the Witwatersrand before taking on various positions at the NICD. Adrian was appointed Deputy Director and Head of Virology in 1999 and Head of the Centre for HIV and STIs in 2017.

As head of virology, he focused on developing and implementing various viral diagnostic platforms to support the NICD’s EPI surveillance programs and diagnostic support. Adrian receives various PEPFAR grants focusing on HIV surveillance, HIV case surveillance, and HIV quality assurance and serves as PI/co-Pi/investigator on various surveillance studies. Adrian’s primary interest is developing HIV surveillance programs focusing on HIV incidence and using “big data” to inform surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation.

Adrian heads the regional and national endpoint diagnostics laboratory for HVTN-supported vaccine and antibody-mediated prevention trials. He serves as the quality assurance technical manager for the NICD. In this capacity, he has supported the National Department of Health’s implementation and quality assurance of HIV rapid testing. Adrian serves on various expert bodies, and the most recent is the South African Lancet Commission on High-Quality Health in the era of Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Adrian Puren

Professor Puren has been the Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) since January 2022 and continues as Head of the Centre for HIV and STIs. Prof Adrian Puren was trained and held a lectureship at the University of the Witwatersrand before taking on various positions at the NICD. Adrian was appointed Deputy Director and Head of Virology in 1999 and Head of the Centre for HIV and STIs in 2017.

As head of virology, he focused on developing and implementing various viral diagnostic platforms to support the NICD’s EPI surveillance programs and diagnostic support. Adrian receives various PEPFAR grants focusing on HIV surveillance, HIV case surveillance, and HIV quality assurance and serves as PI/co-Pi/investigator on various surveillance studies. Adrian’s primary interest is developing HIV surveillance programs focusing on HIV incidence and using “big data” to inform surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation.

Adrian heads the regional and national endpoint diagnostics laboratory for HVTN-supported vaccine and antibody-mediated prevention trials. He serves as the quality assurance technical manager for the NICD. In this capacity, he has supported the National Department of Health’s implementation and quality assurance of HIV rapid testing. Adrian serves on various expert bodies, and the most recent is the South African Lancet Commission on High-Quality Health in the era of Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Koleka Mlisana

Professor Koleka Mlisana is the Chief Executive Officer of the NHLS. Before her appointment she served as the Executive Manager: Academic Affairs, Research & Quality Assurance at the NHLS, from July 2018 to April 2024. Prior to this, she was the Head of Dept of Medical Microbiology at UKZN/IALCH. Her over 20year period of research and academia was spent in HIV pathogenesis and prevention research as well as sexually transmitted infections and genital inflammation research at the Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA); as Head of Microbiology, Prof Mlisana broadened her research to include TB diagnostics; drug resistant TB; antimicrobial resistance and recently COVID-19 related research.

She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has mentored numerous young scientists. She has supervised many Master’s and PhD students and trained numerous registrars in medical microbiology.

Prof Mlisana has been a member of various Boards including Medical and Dental Board of the HPCSA (current); SA MRC; SANAC and NHLS. She has served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Antimicrobial Resistance and recently co-chaired the MAC on COVID-19. She is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Prof. Nisha Naicker

Prof Nisha Naicker is the Head of Epidemiology and Surveillance at the National Institute for Occupational Health. She also holds the honorary positions of Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg.

At the NHLS, we are driven by a clear vision: to be a leader in high-quality diagnostic and pathology services, fuelled by innovation, research, and a dedicated commitment to public health. Our mission is steadfast: to provide accessible, equitable, and efficient laboratory services that address the health needs of all South Africans.

She is a medical doctor that has specialised in Public Health Medicine and received her PhD in public health from the University of Witwatersrand in 2012. Since then, her research has focused on Environmental and Occupational Health as well as surveillance systems for occupational exposures and health outcomes. She has authored and co-authored over 80 peer reviewed publications and supervised over 50 post graduate students. She has served as a reviewer for national and international journals and is an academic editor for public health journals such as BMC Public Health.