Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence globally, with an estimated 6.1% of the population (approximately 80 million people) infected. This means that HBV-related liver disease is a major health concern in the region, with many cases compounded by co-infections such as HIV and hepatitis D.
Despite available vaccines and treatments, challenges in diagnosis, access to care, and implementation of national strategic plans hinder elimination efforts.
Ms Nondumiso Nkosi (left) is a young Pretoria scientist whose diagnostic assay – which has the potential to save countless lives by providing an accessible and efficient diagnostic solution – won her second place and a cash prize of R250 000 at the EDHE Absa Top Student Innovator of the Year competition finals on November 26. The competition was part of the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge, the largest student entrepreneurship initiative ever launched across South Africa’s 26 public universities, offering prize money totalling more than R1 million.
EDHE – a programme that aims to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of university students, academics and university leaders – is a collaboration between Universities South Africa (USAf) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It helps students become more economically active by providing support, running competitions such as the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge and EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity while offering programmes and initiatives to foster entrepreneurial skills.Nkosi’s story attests to the power of dedication, innovation and collaboration in driving positive change, coupled with determination to create an African solution for an African problem.
Nkosi, who completed her Master’s degree in September 2025 and is embarking on a full-time PhD journey at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, says: “My innovation, HepaSure Diagnostics, was born out of a real and urgent healthcare challenge. The difficulty lies in accurate hepatitis B detection, particularly occult HBV, which current diagnostic methods often fail to identify. Many patients are unaware they are infected until serious complications arise, putting both their health and their families at risk.”
HepaSure Diagnostics is designed to bridge this diagnostic gap, providing early, reliable and accessible detection. The goal is not just to identify the disease but to empower healthcare providers and patients to take timely action, ultimately reducing preventable liver damage and improving public health outcomes.
Nkosi was determined to contribute to more equitable healthcare, where innovative diagnostics can reach those who need them the most.
The idea for HepaSure Diagnostics emerged from her Master’s research which revealed that existing diagnostic platforms were not efficient or fully reliable for the SA region. “This led us to look at what other countries were doing, and we collaborated with a university in Japan to test their platform. Unfortunately, their tool did not give us the results we needed for our population.
“This is when the idea for HepaSure was born. Our goal was to create a tool that could perform effectively in our region but could also be applicable globally, particularly in areas facing similar challenges of a high disease burden.”
Beyond the clinical impact, Nkosi hopes that HepaSure will also alleviate pressure on South Africa’s overstretched healthcare system by enabling more efficient use of resources and supporting proactive care at the community level.
She said being named a runner-up in this competition was overwhelming. “It was validation for my team and me and showed that all the hard work, long hours and dedication had been recognised. Our innovation has the potential to make a real impact on people’s lives and on our healthcare system. It was a moment of pride but also a reminder of the responsibility to continue pushing HepaSure forward and turning this recognition into tangible change.”
The quarter-of-a-million-rand prize money, she reveals, will be invested directly into further developing HepaSure Diagnostics. It will support critical activities such as clinical validations, regulatory approvals and getting the company partner ready. The funding will also help accelerate the pathway towards regulatory approval and eventual implementation in healthcare settings, ensuring that the innovation can reach the communities that need it most.
Nkosi was delighted that all the innovators in this year’s Top 5 were females. “It highlights the incredible contributions women are making in science, technology and healthcare; areas where we are often underrepresented. It shows that we have grown, as a nation, and that the value of a woman is recognised far beyond the traditional roles. Women are now moving to the forefront, being part of the action, and demonstrating brilliance through their woman-led inventions.
“My message to other women in these fields is to believe in your ideas and your potential. Challenges will come but persistence, curiosity and passion are powerful tools. Seek out mentors, collaborate and do not be afraid to step into spaces where you might be the only woman. Your perspective is valuable, and your work can make a tangible difference.
“I also hope to mentor and inspire other young women and researchers, particularly in Africa, to pursue innovation and problem-solving in healthcare. Ultimately, I want to be at the intersection of research, innovation and implementation; driving solutions that improve lives locally and globally.”
She believes competition such as the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge are hugely important: “They provide a platform for innovators to showcase their ideas, gain recognition and access resources that can turn research into real-world solutions. They also foster collaboration, mentorship, and learning, which are critical for refining innovations and understanding how to make them impactful. For young innovators, and particularly for women in STEM, they provide visibility, confidence, and encouragement, showing that our ideas are valued and can make a tangible difference.”
Outside of work and research, Nkosi explores nature and places, which helps her recharge and maintain balance. She also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, as it reminds her of the importance of community and support in both life and innovation.
Her final word, especially to young women and aspiring scientists: “Believe in your ideas; pursue them relentlessly and know that your work matters. The challenges we face in healthcare and beyond are opportunities to make a difference, and together, we can create solutions that truly change lives locally, nationally and globally. To funders, sponsors and investors, I want to thank you for supporting innovations like HepaSure; I encourage you to continue planting these seeds, which germinate into great and abundant fruit for our communities.”
Janine Greenleaf Walker is a contract writer for Universities South Africa.