Diantha Pillay

BSc, MPH, BMedScHons

Diantha Pillay is a Programme Manager for the OPTIONS program at Wits RHI in South Africa, under the Implementation Science portfolio. The OPTIONS program provides technical assistance to the government to support the roll-out of ARV-based prevention technologies. Diantha holds a BSc (Biomedical Science), BMedSci (Hons) (Medical Biochemistry) and MPH, majoring in epidemiology and biostatistics. She is currently reading towards her PhD in environmental health. She has 9 years of experience in research (biomedical, clinical, operational and social science research on HIV and TB, female and reproductive health) and has contributed to publications in this area. Her research includes molecular biology research involving HIV/TB drug resistance testing using next generation DNA sequencing technology, clinical trial research involving microbicide, preventative HIV vaccines as well as social / qualitative research on adherence, female sexual and reproductive health, particularly newly introduced contraception methods, as well as operational and implementation science research regarding the roll out of ARV based prevention.