Joyce Shirinde

I am an Associate Professor in Environmental Health and Head of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health at the School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria. As a registered Environmental Health Practitioner (HPCSA), my research focuses on the health impacts of air pollution, climate variability, and related environmental stressors on children in underserved South African communities.

My work has generated empirical evidence on the respiratory health burden associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution, industrial emissions, extreme heat, and inadequate housing. I have led and collaborated on NRF, SAMRC, and internationally funded interdisciplinary projects examining the intersection of air quality, climate change, social determinants, and child health in urban and informal settlement contexts. This research contributes to policy-relevant, climate-resilient, and equity-focused public health interventions.

I contribute to environmental health leadership nationally and internationally through advisory roles and global public health networks. In parallel, I am committed to postgraduate training and capacity development, supervising and mentoring PhD and Master’s students in environmental and public health research.