Emelda Lewis
Speaker
Sr Emelda Lewis
Acting Deputy Director of Student Health Services
Nelson Mandela University
Emelda Yolande Lewis is a seasoned Primary Health Care professional and nursing leader with more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, primary healthcare, and institutional health service management. She currently serves as the Acting Deputy Director of Student Health Services at Nelson Mandela University, where she leads multi-campus healthcare operations and drives strategic initiatives focused on student wellness, disease prevention, and health promotion.
Emelda began her nursing career in 2002 and has since built a distinguished profile across public, private, and international healthcare settings, including service as a Charge Nurse at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia. Her expertise spans maternal and child health, HIV/TB programme coordination, chronic disease prevention, emergency and occupational health, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
With a strong background in infection prevention and control, chronic disease management, and health systems leadership, Emelda has been instrumental in strengthening evidence-based clinical protocols within university settings. Her work includes improving health education strategies and coordinating surveillance efforts related to communicable diseases affecting student populations.
Emelda holds a Master of Public Health (MPH), a BCur at Honours in Nursing, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, complemented by several clinical and management certifications. advanced certifications in primary healthcare management, HIV/TB care, and emergency response. Her research interests centre on infection control behaviours, student health outcomes, and the design of practical interventions that improve adherence to preventive practices such as hand hygiene.
Through her current research, “Evaluating the Impact of Hand Hygiene Practices on Infection Rates Among University Students,” Emelda continues to advocate for behavioural change approaches and integrated wellness strategies that reduce the burden of preventable infections on higher education institutions.