Ashraf Kagee

Shaheen Ashraf Kagee, PhD, MPH
Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Stellenbosch University and Co-Director of the Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health. His research bridges psychology and public health, focusing on the psychosocial dimensions of illness, trauma, and healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income contexts. A leading scholar in mental health and HIV research, he has published over 260 papers and contributed to the World Health Organization’s diagnostic guidelines for stress-related disorders. Prof. Kagee is also a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and an award-winning novelist whose works include Khalil’s Journey, By the Fading Light, and Song of the Slave Girl.

Ashraf Kagee, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Stellenbosch University and Co-Director of the Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of psychology and public health. His research interests span a broad spectrum of topics within health psychology, with a particular focus on the psychosocial dimensions of illness, trauma, and healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income contexts.

A central theme in Professor Kagee’s work is the mental health of individuals living with HIV. He has extensively investigated the prevalence and impact of common mental disorders—such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress—among people undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). His research explores how psychological distress and structural barriers affect adherence to ART, emphasizing the need for integrated mental health services within HIV care frameworks. By highlighting the interplay between psychological and systemic factors, Professor Kagee contributes to a more holistic understanding of patient behavior and treatment outcomes.

Another key area of his scholarship involves stress and trauma, particularly in populations exposed to violence, displacement, and socio-political instability. He has contributed to the development of diagnostic guidelines for stress-related disorders as part of a World Health Organization working group for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). His work in this domain reflects a commitment to culturally sensitive and contextually relevant approaches to mental health diagnosis and intervention.

Professor Kagee also engages in research on treatment adherence in primary care settings more broadly, examining behavioral and psychological factors that influence patients’ engagement with medical regimens. His studies often incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, allowing for nuanced insights into the lived experiences of patients and the systemic challenges they face.

Beyond his empirical research, Professor Kagee is deeply involved in capacity building and advocacy. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town and collaborates with the Gaza Community Mental Health Centre in Palestine, reflecting his commitment to global mental health equity. His work is informed by a strong ethical orientation and a dedication to social justice, particularly in addressing the mental health needs of marginalized and underserved populations.

With over 260 scientific publications and numerous research grants from prestigious institutions—including the South African Medical Research Council, the National Research Foundation, the British Academy, and the Guggenheim Foundation—Professor Kagee’s contributions have had a significant impact on both academic discourse and public health policy. His collaborations span continents and disciplines, underscoring the interdisciplinary and international nature of his research.

Professor Kagee’s research interests are rooted in a deep concern for the psychological well-being of individuals navigating complex health and social challenges. His work bridges clinical psychology, public health, and global mental health, offering critical insights into how mental health services can be made more accessible, effective, and responsive to the realities of diverse populations.

Ashraf is also a published novelist. His first novel, Khalil’s Journey, won the European Union Literary Award and the South African Literary Award. His second novel, By the Fading Light, was nominated for the SA Literary Award for Youth Literature. His third novel, Song of the Slave Girl, was released in 2025. It is a story set in the time of slavery in the Cape Colony.