Professor Elona Toska

Adolescent Health Researcher, Centre for Social Science Research

Research Interests

My research focuses on identifying ways to support adolescents and young people, including adolescents living with HIV and adolescent parents, to live happy, fulfilled, and healthy lives.

I currently lead a study focusing on understanding digital and relational well-being among adolescents and young women accessing HIV and SRHR services in South Africa. Over the last decade, I have been the co-PI for two mixed-data, multi-method cohorts in South Africa: HEY BABY (±1,200 adolescent mothers, 1/3 HIV⁺, 1,500 children, 4 waves) & Mzantsi Wakho (±1600 10-24-year-old adolescents and young people, ±1000 HIV⁺, 3 waves). I work closely with colleagues at UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, The Global Fund, and government partners in Cameroon, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

Research Areas

Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience • Social Neuroscience