Cleo Sokhela

CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER

Ms. Cleo Sokhela is a highly experienced clinician with over two decades of expertise in the healthcare sector. She has made significant contributions to global health security, public healthcare, health emergency response, and climate change initiatives in South Africa and beyond. Specializing in critical programs such as Leadership as HIV, TB, and Malaria programs, Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), COVID-19 response, Public Health Policy, M&E, Grant writing, and data analytics, she has amplified the voices of young people in combatting HIV/TB and addressed the impact of climate change on our communities. Ms Sokhela’s work has played a vital role in improving public health outcomes.

Ms. Sokhela boasts a proven track record of implementing successful public health programs to strengthen the health system. Her strategic management and leadership skills have been honed through diverse roles in government departments, donor-funded organizations, the private sector, academia (including schools of public health), and community-based organizations in South Africa. Additionally, Cleo actively participates in technical working groups on international public health and climate change.

Previously served as Director/ Senior Public Health, Business Management, and Climate Change Consultant, providing a wide range of consulting services across Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada. A Chief of the Party and Head of Strategic Information for a PEPFAR-CDC/ USAID funded HIV/TB programme led initiatives aimed at enhancing HIV/TB outcomes and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets while also addressing COVID-19 and Climate Change challenges. Collaborating with national and provincial departments of health and developmental partners, Ms. Sokhela has established a good sustainable network and relations with the government sector, funding agencies, community organizations, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector. Capitalized on patient management technologies, M&E improved methods and gaps to improve performance.

Ms. Cleo Sokhela has completed the following qualifications with excellence: Master of Business Administration in the field of Management Consulting and, Master of Management in the field of Public and Development Management with Wits Business School. Further achieved University of the Witwatersrand Emerging Leaders Ward 2021, Wits University: Top student in Cross Faulty Research Symposium for Ph.D. and Master’s students 2011. Bachelor of Nursing (Education & Administration) in Primary Healthcare Nursing Science, Diploma in Nursing and Midwife (General, Psychiatric and Community). Attained the University of Johannesburg: Dean’s List of Merit and Top Achiever Award for Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College.