Founder and Director
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A solid career in writing and strategic dommunications
Alexandra van Essche is a seasoned writer and communications specialist with 25 years of experience developing and executing public relations strategies that drive engagement, elevate visibility and deliver measurable results.
Qualifications
Alexandra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991, has completed short courses in digital marketing and graphic design, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree.
She is a trained Diabetes Counsellor through Diabetes UK and the Open University.
She also holds a Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Eating from Harvard Medical School, deepening her knowledge of the role of diet in preventing and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Experience across diverse sectors
Alexandra spent many years in corporate public relations, supporting clients in a range of sectors, including:
Education and training.
Engineering and the built environment.
Employment.
Small business development.
Financial technology.
Arts and culture.
Alexandra van Essche
Founder and Director
A decade of experience in healthcare communications
In 2015, she set up her own business, focusing on health communications. Her work has a meaningful reach and influence in communities and across South Africa.
Highlights include:
Travelling to rural districts to interview clinicians, primary healthcare workers, and patients for media coverage and funder reports.
Promoting centres of excellence within private healthcare facilities.
Positioning leading clinicians and researchers positively in the public domain.
Supporting clinical trial units with participant recruitment and sharing study findings with communities and stakeholders.
Securing extensive media coverage across print, online, radio and television platforms.
Supporting clients' social media campaigns.
Writing and publishing stories on behalf of clients for dissemination on funders’ platforms.
Providing advocacy services to help clients engage government around the provision of essential medicines and the upholding of care standards for people living with chronic conditions.
Deep insight into health systems and challenges in South Africa and beyond
Her work has given her an in-depth understanding of:
The critical health challenges facing South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
South Africa’s public and private health systems.
The role of clinical research in improving standards of care and influencing treatment guidelines.
Expertise in diabetes prevention and care
Alexandra has a strong interest in diabetes, combining her communications expertise with a solid understanding of the condition—its prevention, management and the lifestyle factors that support better outcomes. She is particularly focused on helping individuals living with diabetes through practical guidance on diet, nutrition and self-care.
She is:
A dedicated diabetes advocate through SA Diabetes Advocacy.
A member of the Advisory Board of the University of Pretoria’s Diabetes Research Centre.
A Board member of the South African Diabetes Alliance.
A communications partner to the South African Diabetes Alliance, providing strategic writing and advocacy support.
Alexandra recently co-authored a report with the Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance, presenting key recommendations to strengthen South Africa’s national diabetes response. The report was formally submitted to the National Department of Health.
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