About SOAR Health Advisory
We Build Enduring and Sustainable Health Laboratory Systems
SOAR Health Advisory is an independent medical laboratory consulting firm dedicated to improving the health of populations through delivery and provision of innovative public health laboratory research, capacity building, technical support, operations management support, and laboratory service delivery.
Drawing on vast experience and lessons learned from working in global health projects and clinical trials, we apply our expertise in laboratory systems strengthening, quality management systems and accreditation, laboratory processes and quality improvement, training and capacity building, laboratory operations management, biosafety and biorisk management and digital laboratory information systems to deliver unmatched and high-quality consulting services.
We specialize in providing expert services and evidence-based solutions tailored directly for the needs of our clients.
Vision
A trusted leader in transforming laboratory systems in public health and healthcare industry with a focus of shaping the healthier future of communities.
Mission
To strengthen health laboratory systems through provision of unmatched knowledge and tools to optimize health services and improve quality of life.
Meet the People Behind SOAR
We don’t delegate your project. We do the work
Herbert Longwe, PhD – Team Lead
Herbert Longwe holds a PhD in Immunology of infectious diseases from the University of Malawi, Malawi.
He is a distinguished academic and laboratory researcher with a robust background in public health laboratory research, particularly focusing on infectious diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria. His extensive career includes significant affiliations with prominent institutions, including Columbia University, University of Witwatersrand, and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, where he contributed to various health research initiatives from 2003 to present.
Longwe’s work at ICAP at Columbia University in South Africa, highlights his commitment to advancing global public health and he has worked on critical laboratory projects aimed at improving health outcomes in the region. He has overseen the effective management and provision of cross-cutting laboratory technical support for strategic planning, building, and strengthening national laboratories diagnostic capacities and implementation and evaluation of the PHIA surveys.
He has extensive expertise in lab systems strengthening, laboratory quality management systems, surveys and surveillance, clinical trials, biosafety and biosecurity and infectious diseases clinical research specializing in HIV, TB, and malaria. He has a strong foundation in immunology, microbiology, cell culture, serology, molecular biology, and data analysis. He has authored several peer-reviewed articles in international journals and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist through the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
Temantfulini Nhassengo, BSc PGDipPH– Laboratory Specialist
Tema Nhassengo is an accomplished and HPCSA-registered Medical Technologist, specializing in Chemical Pathology, Microbiology, and Haematology, with extensive experience in health systems advisory, laboratory management, and public health research within donor-funded programs and clinical trial environments.
Demonstrates proven expertise in program design, implementation, and performance monitoring, with a focus on strengthening laboratory systems, and advancing evidence-based healthcare delivery. Skilled in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and multidisciplinary project coordination, driving operational excellence and sustainable outcomes.
Passionate about leveraging data, research, and innovation to enhance health system efficiency, service quality, and patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
Sakhile Sithole, BSc – Laboratory Specialist
Sakhile Sithole is a seasoned Laboratory Professional with over 12 years of experience in clinical laboratory systems, virology, and biorepository management.
With a background in Biomedical Sciences and Business Management, she has led multidisciplinary teams and managed global clinical trials for sponsors like the Gates Foundation, IAVI, and PPD.
Her expertise spans GCLP, ISO 15189:2022, LIMS implementation, and biorepository optimization. Sakhile has supported biorepository development in multiple countries through ICAP at Columbia University and strengthened
Clinical-Laboratory integrations across 35 primary healthcare centres in KwaZulu-Natal with Beyond Zero. She is passionate about quality systems, capacity building, and transforming laboratories into high-impact research assets.
Technical Credibility — What Prepared Us for This
01
15+ years strengthening laboratory systems across Africa for PHIA surveys, clinical trials, and national health laboratory programs.
02
Professional Boards registration and certification - HPCSA, GCLP, GCP, SANAS, SACNASP and Study coordination
03
12+ years biorepository and clinical laboratory systems leadership
04
30+ years collective experience implementing laboratory systems strengthening across multiple donor funded programs
What our Technical Expertise Looks Like in Real Life
Managed laboratory operations for Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) surveys across multiple countries. Processed 300,000+ specimens while building local capacity to manage future large scale surveys independently. 1000+ Laboratory technologists managing complex HIV testing independently across national laboratory networks.
Project implemented by ICAP at Columbia University.
Managed multidisciplinary laboratory teams supporting global clinical trials groups. Achieved GCLP compliance and ISO 15189:2022 alignment while maintaining operational efficiency under strict regulatory oversight. Supported establishment of biorepository workflows designed for long-term specimen storage.
Projects funded by Gates Foundation, IAVI, and PPD
Guided the design and rollout of laboratory surveillance systems and strengthening of laboratory networks in multiple African countries and Latin America. In addition, managed clinical-laboratory integration improvements across 35+ primary healthcare facilities network in KwaZulu-Natal. Enhanced service delivery efficiency and patient care quality through systematic QMS strengthening at the frontline of healthcare delivery.
Projects implemented by ICAP at Columbia University and Beyond Zero program
Contact Information
- Location: Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
- Email: info@soarhealthadvisory.co.za
- Phone: +27 72 215 7915
Our Commitment:
Independent consulting focused on sustainable laboratory systems strengthening and evidence-based health impact.
Professional Registrations:
SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) | HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa)
Privacy & Security:
All client engagements conducted under strict confidentiality agreements aligned with health data protection regulations.
