Dr Shehani Perera is a postdoctoral researcher in the HSRU. She primarily works on the Evidence2Decision initiative, which focuses on developing transparent and effective National Health Insurance policies as South Africa transitions toward Universal Health Coverage. She also leads a qualitative evidence synthesis on health policymakers' views on knowledge-translation approaches to inform evidence-based decision-making.

Dr Perera holds a doctorate in Public Health and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Cape Town. Her doctoral research focused on assisted partner notification for improving HIV-testing and treatment in South Africa. As a registered social worker with the South African Association of Social Service Professions and member of the Public Health Association of South Africa, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective to her work across various health challenges including HIV-service accessibility, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and health systems research.