Our monthly check-in with staff from around the world. Learn more about the people who work at CHAI.
Thatohatsi Sefuthi
Title: Advanced HIV Disease Regional Manager, Southern Region
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Start date: May 2016 (intern), rejoined fulltime in May 2020
Please tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CHAI.
I am a pharmacist with a master’s degree in public health from the University of Stellenbosch and a graduate of the African Leadership Academy (ALA). Through ALA’s internship program, I had the opportunity to intern at CHAI Lesotho in 2016 while pursuing my pharmacy degree. As an intern, I contributed to projects focused on HIV prevention, health financing, nutrition, and non-communicable diseases. The experience left a lasting impression on me, sparking a deep appreciation for public health as a means for driving large-scale impact. After completing my internship program with CHAI, I moved to Gaborone, Botswana, to work as a Business Development Associate for Young1ove, an NGO that focuses on scaling evidence-based health and education programs. My stint with Young1ove was short. A few months later, I rejoined CHAI. This decision was easy for me; I had witnessed firsthand CHAI’s impact on strengthening health delivery systems and improving health outcomes in many low- and middle-income countries.
What has your professional journey & career progression at CHAI been like?
I rejoined CHAI Lesotho as an Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) Analyst in 2020. A year later, I was promoted to Senior Analyst. As the world slowly emerged from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, I leaped and moved to CHAI Laos to support the HIV and TB program. Starting as an Associate and later stepping into a Senior Associate role, I was challenged in new ways and enriched by the opportunity to learn from a different health system and culture. In 2023, I joined the HIV Access Program as the Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) Regional Manager for the Southern Region. Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the privilege of supporting AHD programs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. It has been incredibly inspiring to work alongside passionate and talented country teams, each day reinforcing why our work at CHAI matters.
What’s been one of your proudest moments working at CHAI?
In 2024, I supported the Ministry of Health and its implementing partners in decentralizing the Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) package-of-care to the remaining 154 health centers across Lesotho. This effort included comprehensive training for healthcare workers and culminated in achieving nationwide access to AHD services for Basotho. It was a deeply rewarding, full-circle moment in my journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of the frontline healthcare workers who continue to deliver essential care daily across the country.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring and supportive women throughout my journey. One such example is my mentor, Dr. Tanuja Gengiah, a Senior Scientist and Head of Pharmacy at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). Tanuja is a brilliant scientist who, amongst other things, plays a key role in advancing HIV research by developing and implementing Phase II and III clinical trials focused on treatment and prevention. I deeply admire her intellect, her warmth, and her intentional commitment to empowering others.
What’s a personal goal that you want to accomplish in the next year?
After three years of research, analysis, and a fair amount of coffee-fueled writing sessions, I’m heading into the final stretch, aiming to submit my intent to defend my PhD in Public Health this December!
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
In November 2024, I ran my first 42km Soweto Marathon alongside my brother—an unforgettable experience that pushed me to my limits. Despite the heat and a knee injury, I finished the marathon in seven hours!
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Veg and Halloumi curry every day would be perfect!
