Dr Martina Lembani

BSc (University of Malawi), MADS (UWC), MADM, PhD (Ruhr University – Bochum, Germany)

Senior Lecturer
E: mlembani@uwc.ac.za

Martina Lembani’s training is in development studies. She specialises in health systems research with particular interest in the use of systems dynamics modelling methodology.

Her current thematic areas of research include migration and health with a special interest in maternal and child health, more specifically under-five children both those living with their parents in host countries and those left-behind. Access to health care is her main interest. Martina’s other research interests include assessing impacts of climate change on migration broadly and more specifically on women and children; adolescent sexual and reproductive health and food environments.

Martina joined the SOPH in 2014 and currently convenes the Population Health and Development: A Primary Health Care Approach module and is involved the supervision of MPH and PhD theses. Martina coordinated the Post Graduate Diploma Programme 202 to 2023 and she currently leads the health policy and systems research cluster in the School.

Projects

Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM) is launching a themed issue – in partnership with the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa – on Queering Health Systems

Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM), in partnership with the School of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape, is inviting proposals for a themed issue on Queering Health Systems.

Health care seeking practices and access to health care by migrant parents and/or caregivers with under-five children in the Western Cape Province in South Africa: An exploratory study

The aim of this study is to explore healthcare seeking practices and access to healthcare services among migrant parents and/or caregivers for their under-five children in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The study will focus on 4 countries namely; Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Migration and Health in light of COVID-19: Lessons from Malawian migrants in South Africa

The unprecedented emergence and global spread of the COVID-19 has resulted in severe social and economic consequences for families globally. Millions across the world have lost their loved ones as well as their sources of livelihood leading to increase in suicide rates due to increased unemployment and financial instability.

Understanding the intersections between mental health wellbeing, HIV and adolescent pregnancy

The study is being undertaken in selected health facilities in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.

“… I tried to commit suicide…”: Understanding the intersections between mental health, HIV and teenage pregnancy

By: Hanani Tabana; Takunda Satumba*; Diane Cooper; Martina Lembani

School of Public Health engages in discussions around mental health and well-being in higher education at the UWC Mental Health and Well-being Colloquium 2026

The School of Public Health (SOPH) had the privilege of participating in this year’s UWC Mental Health and Well-being Colloquium, from the 1st to the 3rd of July, at Blaauwberg Beach Hotel, Cape Town.

Climate Change and Health – For Frontline Healthcare Workers

Practical -in Person short course

Application deadline: 8th May

Climate Change and Health for Frontline Health Workers

The School of Public Health (SOPH) at the University of the Western Cape, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Government, invites you to this 5-day in-person short-course.