UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH CENTRE

Seke South Clinical Research Site

Management

Dr Tariro Chawana

Site Leader

Thandi Chirenda

CRS Coordinator

Annie Mapfunde

Clinic Manager

Interests

TREATMENT TRIALS

  • HIV treatment
  • Analytical Treatment Interruption (ATI)
  • Phase 1/2a trials
  • Both sexes and genders assigned at birth
  • Ages 15-45 years

PREVENTION TRIALS

  • HIV long-acting injectable PrEP
  • HIV vaccines
  • HIV monoclonal antibodies
  • Mobile health (mHealth)
  • Phase 2b and 3b trials
  • Both sexes and genders assigned at birth
  • Ages 0-45 years

OBSERVATIONAL TRIALS AND SURVEYS

  • COVID-19
  • Surveys
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) survey
  • HIV qualitative surveys

Populations

We have experience in recruiting pediatric, adolescent, young and adult participants in Chitungwiza urban and peri urban areas from 1 hospital, 4 primary care clinics, and numerous satellite and family health service clinics. The site is located 35km from Harare CBD in Unit L, Chitungwiza, within Seke South primary care clinic, and 4km from Chitungwiza Central hospital. Our CRS was the first site to implement HIV vaccine trials in Zimbabwe, as well monoclonal antibody trials. We pride ourselves in always meeting accrual targets and conducting multiple clinical trials/studies concurrently. Site team has demonstrated competency in complex clinical trials, from community engagement, participant recruitment, clinic procedures, laboratory tests, pharmacy injection preparation and real time data management. We’ve received excellence awards for adverse event reporting, surpassing recruitment targets and data management.

Capacity

The clinic has fully equipped and airconditioned examination rooms, a site laboratory, pharmacy, data room and offices, with capacity to cater for up to 40 participants daily. The site has a backed-up internet system that allows real time processing of collected data. The facility also has a refurbished site laboratory capable of collecting different types of specimens and tests. Our pharmacy is fully equipped for storage and aseptic technique preparation of study products and is equipped with -800C, –200C, 20C and 80C freezers, and 2 biosafety cabinets in the vaccine preparation room, thereby increasing efficiency in study product preparation and ultimately increasing the number of study visits  per day. Seke South CRS has 2 infusion pumps for monoclonal antibody infusions. Both the laboratory and pharmacy temperatures are monitored continuously,  including remotely by Sensaphone. The site continues to build capacity through expansion of clinic space to accommodate up to 50 participants a day. 

The CRS has a TV/VCR for participant entertainment, and a kitchen for their refreshments. Fire extinguishers and fire hoses are available at the clinic backed up by a fire alarm system and rapid response security system.  The floors are made up of washable tiles and white oil-painted walls to facilitate easy cleaning. The clinic has an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply system that is backed up by an 88 KVA generator and an effective solar system to provide back-up electricity. Both the generator and solar system are connected to a borehole to a 5,000L water storage tank.

Location

Seke South CRS

Seke South Clinic

Unit L

Chitungwiza