Our Leadership
UZ-CTRC LEADERSHIP
About Leadership
The organizations leadership is characterized by a diverse, skilled, and visionary team dedicated to realizing our mission and vision. The leadership comprises individuals with extensive expertise in clinical research, public health, administration, and community engagement. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that every member of the team is empowered to contribute to meaningful change. The leaderships strategic acumen and dedication to evidence-based decision making enable the UZ-CTRC to navigate the dynamic landscape of clinical research, while their while their commitment to ethical and patient-centered practices ensures that our initiatives prioritize the well- being of the Zimbabwean population. The COVID-19 pandemic response was a great example of the leaderships ability to navigate through difficult situations. Through their mentorship, guidance, and strategic direction, the leadership team empowers our staff to embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience, driving the organization to deliver on its mission and vision.
Our Leadership
The Scientific Leadership Group (SLG) is charged with ensuring that the programme meets the obligations of its sponsors while fulfilling its mission and long-term goals. Its objectives include but not limited to
- Monitoring the operating, administrative and financial performance of the CTU by ensuring that approved budgets are followed for all research activities.
- Identifying external collaborative partners, ensure sound fiscal management.
- Implementing the policy and strategy for the CTU and deal with all operational matters affecting the CTU.
- Providing technical support and data for evidence-based policy recommendation to the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC)
Prof Zvavahera Mike Chirenje
Evaluation of biomedical prevention HIV/STIs products. Evaluation of cervical cancer screening & treatment modalities in low resource settings. Gynecological Oncologist
“I want to know I have done my best in contributing towards elimination of cervical cancer, in low- and middle-income resource settings”
Prof Mike Mbizvo (Advisor)
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV/Adolescents/ Implementation Science Research D. Phil (Andrology)
“I strongly believe in mentoring the next generation of research scientists”
Dr Felix Godwin Mhlanga
HIV and Cervical Cancer Prevention and contraception. Obstetrician and Gyneacologist
“My hope is to expanding contraceptive provision for all in need including males through evidence-based modalities”
Prof Chiedza Maponga
Perinatal Health MBChB, MSc Clinical Epidemiology
I am passionate about promoting the well-being of women and children through optimization of interventions that impact maternal and child outcomes in a population heavily affected by HIV and personal trauma.
Prof Margaret Borok
Gynecological Oncologist,HPV/HIV disease research, evaluation of biomedical prevention HIV/STIs products. Evaluation of cervical cancer screening & treatment modalities in low resource settings.
“My motivation is to know that I have done my best in contributing towards elimination of cervical cancer, in low- and middle-income resource settings”
Prof Mutsa Bwakura
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV/Adolescents/ Implementation Science Research D. Phil (Andrology)
“Quality Healthcare for all children in resource limited settings”
Dr Lynda Stranix-Chibanda
Clinical trials of novel strategies for HIV treatment and prevention in complex populations - Paediatrician
“Passionate about mentoring the next generation of African researchers to conceptualize, conduct, and disseminate high quality research of immediate relevance to the national health response”
Dr Nyaradzo Mgodi
Biomedical HIV prevention methods for women BSc, MBChB, MMed - Pathology
“My desire is to see the development of innovative products that will contribute towards ending the epidemic in women”
Dr W Samaneka
HIV/TB, HIV therapeutics/ Tuberculosis treatment and diagnostics/ long-term complications of HIV. MBChB, MSc (Clinical Epidemiology/Clinical Trialist)
“Elimination of Tuberculosis should become a reality in Africa”
Dr T Nematadzira
Perinatal Health MBChB, MSc Clinical Epidemiology
“I am passionate about promoting the well-being of women and children through optimization of interventions that impact maternal and child outcomes in a population heavily affected by HIV and personal trauma.”
Dr T Chawana
Clinical Pharmacology with an interest in HIV preventive and therapeutic pharmacology using broadly neutralizing antibodies, pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy. MBChB, MSc, DPhil
“I would love to advance Clinical pharmacology research and positively impact people's lives”
Dr Allen T Matubu
HBMLS, MSc Clinical Epidemiology, PhD Immunology
"I’m Passionate about biomarker research, discovery and investigating clinical applications in predicting disease progression and outcomes and ultimately impact clinical and public health approaches"
Margaret Mukoki
Pre- and Post-Award Grants Management, Fundraising; Accounting; Compliance; Capacity Building Bachelor of Accounting Honors; Bachelor of Community Health Psychology
“I strongly believe in building strong grantsmanship, through continuous capacity building in the various aspects of pre- and post-award management.”
Gift T Chareka
Gynecological Oncologist,HPV/HIV disease research, evaluation of biomedical prevention HIV/STIs products. Evaluation of cervical cancer screening & treatment modalities in low resource settings.
“My motivation is to know that I have done my best in contributing towards elimination of cervical cancer, in low- and middle-income resource settings”
Our Team of Experts
The experts at the UZ-CTRC represent a diverse array of disciplines including, Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Physicians, Pediatricians, Laboratory Scientists, a Pathologist, Clinical Epidemiologists, Pharmacologists, Social scientists, Public Health specialists, Implementation Science expert, Grants management experts, Quality Management experts, Data Management, Community Engagement experts, Clinical Trial Specialist and Health Economists, Counselors. Drawing from their rich and varied backgrounds, our experts exemplify a dedication to continuous learning and collaboration, and their collective impact is instrumental in shaping the landscape of clinical research and healthcare delivery, positioning the organization as a leader in driving positive health outcomes for the Zimbabwean population.
Adlight Dandadzi
HIV and AIDS, Palliative Care, Implementation Science - Social and Behavioral Scientist
“I would like to advance public health by integrating social and behavioral research to improve HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and palliative care, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals and communities.”
Charles Zvichauya Chasakara
BSc Honors Sociology. An experienced Social and Behavioral Scientist with over 20 years of experience in public health research focusing on both behavioral and clinical studies, 15 of which have supported community engagement activities in the CTU. Public Health, Community Engagement & Qualitative Research
"To advance meaningful community involvement in public health research working with stakeholders and spearheaded by Community Advisory Boards (CAB) to foster Good Participatory Practices (GPP)."
Dorinda Mukura
Cancer Epidemiology and tumour immunology Biomedical Scientist; MSc Clinical Epidemiology
“Fostering the growth of scholar-practitioners who influence constructive social change is essential”
Dr Pamela Grace Mukwekwerere
HIV/ Mental Health/ Adolescents and Young People MBChB, MPH
“I enjoy mentoring and coaching young people so that they are empowered to be relevant and positively impact their communities”
Dr Tapiwa Mbengeranwa
MBCHB, MBA Total Quality Management
“Understanding processes and establishing robust systems in pursuit of quality is vital”
Elizabeth S Magada
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions and meaningful engagement with stakeholders."
“I strongly believe in building strong grantsmanship, through continuous capacity building in the various aspects of pre- and post-award management.”
Matthew Saizi
B Acc, MBA. Pre- and Post-Award Grants Management Accounting and Auditing; Grants administration; Grants compliance and monitoring;
”Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of grant management processes by streamlining the monitoring, reporting, and compliance processes.”
Peter Kanda
Data Analytics in medical research MSc in Big Data Analytics, BSc Information Systems
“Generation of quality data is essential for efficient and effective decision making.”
Petina Musara
Qualitative researcher Social Science
“I love understanding why people do what they do”
Rodney Goreraza
Clinical trials quality management BSc Honors Biochemistry
“My vision is to be able to mentor the next generation of dedicated quality management personnel. I would like one day to look back and say, the department is in safe hands!”
Tsungai Mhembere
Implementation of evidence-based HIV interventions in the community in an effective and affordable manner. Bachelor of Pharmacy Honours Degree, a Master’s degree in Public Health and Postgraduate diploma in Health Economics
“I am keen to contribute towards sustainable and equitable access of acceptable reproductive and that promote maternal health in low-income communities”
Wilfred T Gurupira
Public Health; Complexity and Implementation Science; HIV and co-morbidities; Palliative care PhD (Public Health); MPH, AHMP, BPharm (Hons)
“Systems thinking is essential to find and implement solutions that are simpler, better, faster and cheaper.”