With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Prof. Anneke Hesseling stands at the forefront of paediatric TB research, advocating for safer and more effective treatment strategies for children. Positioned as the Professor and Director of the Paediatric TB Research Programme at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre (DTTC) at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, her pioneering work primarily focuses on the holistic management and prevention of tuberculosis among children, regardless of HIV status. Her research ethos champions the implementation of refined TB preventive measures through innovative chemotherapy and vaccination techniques alongside cutting-edge treatment approaches for drug-susceptible and resistant TB.

Prof. Hesseling’s commitment to enhancing TB diagnosis through biomarker research and pharmacokinetic studies has firmly established her as a critical figure in clinical TB research and advocacy. A testament to her leadership in integrating children into clinical trials for new TB drugs, her efforts have significantly contributed to the advancements in paediatric TB treatment protocols. A recipient of the Elizabeth Glazer Paediatric HIV International Leadership Award in 2007, Prof. Hesseling’s academic credentials include a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, an MSc from Columbia University, and a PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her extensive experience and vigorous commitment to advancing TB research for children have made Dr. Hesseling a vital contributor to global health