Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to advance evidence-based healthcare through research that addresses critical public health challenges, as demonstrated by pharmacist and public health researcher Dr Tiyani Milta Maluleke, whose doctoral study explored strategies to promote responsible antibiotic use in rural South Africa.
Maluleke earned her PhD in Public Health Pharmacy during SMU’s annual Spring Graduation Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in a career spanning more than 22 years across South Africa’s public and private healthcare sectors. Her achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to developing skilled healthcare professionals and producing research that informs healthcare policy and practice.
Her doctoral research, titled Strategies to limit inappropriate purchasing of antibiotics without a prescription in a rural province, South Africa, examined factors influencing antibiotic access and identified opportunities to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and patient education in underserved communities.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to resist medicines used to treat infections. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to this growing public health challenge, making responsible dispensing, patient education and accessible healthcare essential.
Maluleke’s mixed-methods study engaged community pharmacy personnel and patients to better understand antibiotic access, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and opportunities to improve antimicrobial stewardship. The research highlighted the importance of practical, collaborative interventions that support both patients and healthcare professionals.
The findings identified previous antibiotic use and long clinic waiting times as factors influencing healthcare-seeking decisions. Patients also strongly supported pharmacist-led antibiotic education, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen community pharmacies’ contribution to public health.
“These findings highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship interventions that address both patient behaviour and the challenges within the healthcare system,” explained Dr Maluleke.
The study recommends strengthening community pharmacists’ involvement in patient education, appropriate referrals, quality improvement initiatives and collaboration with prescribers. It also advocates for appropriately regulated pathways to expand pharmacists’ clinical responsibilities and improve patient access to appropriate care.
“Community pharmacists are well positioned to support antimicrobial stewardship through protocol-led management of selected infections, patient education, referral and collaboration with prescribers,” said Dr Maluleke.
Maluleke’s research reinforces SMU’s mission to transform health services through excellence and innovation. By supporting postgraduate research exploring challenges affecting underserved communities, the university helps generate evidence that can inform policy, strengthen professional practice and improve patient outcomes.
Her achievement also builds on a longstanding commitment to pharmaceutical practice and research. Maluleke completed her Master of Public Health at SMU in 2019 and obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy from MEDUNSA in 2003. Her scholarly contributions include eight publications in international peer-reviewed journals, three editorials and co-author contributions to five additional publications.
Beyond her professional career, she is the founder and minister of Ntshembo Healing Ministry, where she promotes community empowerment, mentorship and holistic wellbeing. As a motivational speaker and organisational leader, she seeks to bridge scientific knowledge, public service and faith-based leadership.
Through graduates such as Maluleke, SMU demonstrates the value of health sciences education and research in addressing South Africa’s healthcare priorities. Her doctoral work highlights the university’s contribution to developing research-informed professionals equipped to strengthen pharmacy practice, promote responsible medicine use and support better healthcare outcomes.
By Tumelo Moila
