Esther Chanakira

I joined the University of Sheffield in October 2024 as a Research Associate in Public Health Economic Modelling, bringing a strong foundation in pharmacy and health economics. I hold an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy and a Master's in Public Health with a specialisation in Health Economics, both obtained in South Africa.

My professional journey includes conducting a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for epilepsy treatment for the South African National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC), providing valuable insights into decision-making in the public health sector. Building on this experience, I pursued a PhD at the University of Sheffield, where my research focused on addressing breast cancer inequalities within the South African public healthcare system, using advanced economic modelling to understand inequalities across geographic lines.

During my PhD, I also had the privilege of interning at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which exposed me to the inner workings of global health research institutions and broadened my perspective on international healthcare challenges.
My research interests lie in harnessing economic evaluations to promote healthcare equity, enhance resource allocation, and reduce the burden of disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. I am passionate about finding innovative solutions to improve access to healthcare and optimise public health outcomes.