Simoné Eksteen is a pharmacist with Primary Care Drug Therapy and Pharmacist-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (PIMART) certifications. With over 18 years of experience in independently owned community pharmacy practice in South Africa, she is currently completing a Master of Pharmacy Practice at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research focuses on developing evidence-based primary healthcare quality measures for community pharmacy services in the management of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. 

Her professional career combines advanced clinical primary healthcare services with the strategic management of an independent community pharmacy, driven by the belief that excellent patient care and sustainable pharmacy businesses are complementary goals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the establishment and implementation of a community pharmacy vaccination service, overseeing accreditation, workforce training, logistics, quality assurance and clinical service delivery. Her professional interests include primary healthcare, public health, life-course vaccination, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, collaborative healthcare and strengthening the role of community pharmacists within South Africa's evolving healthcare system. 

Simoné previously served as Director and Treasurer of the Independent Community Pharmacist Association, contributing to professional advocacy, governance and national public health campaigns. She also contributes to policy and professional initiatives through the International Pharmaceutical Federation. She is passionate about advancing community pharmacy through innovation, research, collaboration and the delivery of accessible, high-quality, patient-centred care while measuring and demonstrating its impact.