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Paediatric Pulmonologist Honoured with International Lung Health Award

Professor Refiloe Masekela.

Professor Refiloe Masekela (@Bronchigirl), Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at UKZN and a renowned paediatric pulmonologist, has received the prestigious American Thoracic Society (ATS) World Lung Health Award.

Set to be officially presented at the ATS International Conference later this year, this esteemed award recognises the outstanding contributions of individuals in improving global lung health through translational or implementation research, healthcare delivery, continuing education, patient care, or political advocacy, with a strong emphasis on addressing gender, racial, ethnic, and economic health disparities.

With an impressive career spanning over 17 years in lung health research, Masekela currently holds the distinguished position of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Professor (2022–2027), with a research focus on paediatric asthma and lung physiological testing. Her work has significantly influenced the field of paediatric respiratory medicine, earning her international acclaim.

Beyond her research, Masekela has earned multiple high-profile leadership roles in global lung health initiatives. She serves as the Co-Chair of the Global Asthma
Network and the President of the Pan African Thoracic Society. Additionally, she is the Co-Chair of the Federation of Respiratory Societies (FIRS) Lung Health TaskForce Steering Committee. Her expertise is further recognised through her membership in leading global organisations, including; the Global Initiative for
Asthma (GINA) Scientific Committee, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Global Lung Initiative (GLI) Network Clinical Research Collaboration Committee, the ERS Long Range Planning Committee for the Paediatrics Assembly, and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee.

At a national level, Masekela is the current President of the South African Thoracic Society, underscoring her influence in shaping respiratory healthcare policies and practices in South Africa and beyond.