Yashna is an experienced clinical research professional and is knowledgeable about coordinating projects for diverse HIV prevention and treatment clinical trials. Yashna is passionate about achieving equitable access to health care, particularly for Women Living With HIV and in the prevention of HIV in young women. Yashna has experience in active community engagement and in successful collaboration with stakeholders involved in HIV related research in underserved and resource-limited settings.
Lead site investigator for:
Employed at Khayelitsha District Medical Officer and adjacent community health clinic
Additional coursework and achievements:
1. May 2024: Abstract publication in the INTEREST HIV Conference. Abstract Title: Abnormal Cervical Cytology Amongst Women Living With and Without HIV in Cape Town, South Africa
2. February 2024-April 2024: Certification in Scientific Authorship, Research Progression, South Africa.
3. March 2023- ongoing: Programme development for the Young Women's Support Group for the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation organization. This programme recognizes the intersectionality of HIV in young women and gender based violence, and is rooted in women empowerment and skills development.
4. September 2023: Peer-reviewed journal article publication: Tenofovir diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots and HIV-1 resistance in South Africa.
5. August 2023: Abstract presentation at the International Workshop on HIV Drug Resistance and Treatment Strategies. Abstract Title: Evolution of HIV-1 Resistance and Drug Concentrations in a Well Monitored Cohort in South Africa.
6. July 2023: Presenter at the South African HIV Clinicians Society conference. Topic: Novel Long-acting HIV Prevention Modalities in Young Women and Adolescent Girls.
7. June 2022: Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Professional Emergency Care South Africa
8. May 2015- October 2015: Diploma in HIV Management, Colleges of Medicine South Africa.
Current Memberships:
1. Active professional member of the South African HIV Clinicians Society.
2. SHAWCO (Students' Health and Welfare Center's Organization) consulting volunteer medical doctor at the University of Cape Town.
Peer reviewed publications in the past five years:
1. Y Singh, J Castillo-Mancilla, R Madimabe, L Jennings, CM Ferraris, RN Robbins, PL Andersen, RH Remien, C Orrell. Tenofovir diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots and HIV-1 resistance in South Africa. AIDS Research and Therapy. 2023 Sep 14; DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00552-w.
2. Dickinson L, Walimbwa S, Singh Y, Kaboggoza J, Kintu K, Sihlangu M, Coombs JA, Malaba TR, Byamugisha J, Pertinez H, Amara A. Infant exposure to dolutegravir through placental and breast milk transfer: a population pharmacokinetic analysis of DolPHIN-1. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2021 Sep 1;73(5):e1200-7.
3. Waitt C, Orrell C, Walimbwa S, Singh Y, Kintu K, Simmons B, Kaboggoza J, Sihlangu M, Coombs JA, Malaba T, Byamugisha J. Safety and pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir in pregnant mothers with HIV infection and their neonates: a randomised trial (DolPHIN-1 study). PLoS medicine. 2019 Sep 20;16(9):e1002895.