Article by: Caroline Murombedzi, Zengeza Pharmacist of Record
25 Nov 2025
Over the past two years, the Zengeza CRS has made significant strides in scientific productivity, contributing several peer-reviewed publications. This success is driven by the commitment of the site’s Scientific Working Group, a dedicated team that, under the leadership of Dr. Nyaradzo Mgodi, has consistently invested time and expertise to transform research concepts into high-quality conference abstracts and journal manuscripts.
Dr. Mgodi has led from the front, serving as first author on two manuscripts during this period. She has nurtured a culture of mentorship by guiding team members through the scientific writing process, supporting their individual projects, and providing opportunities for them to be co-authors on her own work. Her perseverance is evident in her response to initial manuscript rejections; she diligently addressed reviewers’ comments, worked closely with co-authors to revise and strengthen the papers, and ultimately achieved publication. This often-required work beyond regular hours, reflecting a level of dedication that continues to inspire the entire team.
On 18 November 2025, Dr. Mgodi, together with members of the Zengeza Scientific Working Group and colleagues from Population Council, published findings from a pilot study assessing the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) for simultaneous HIV and pregnancy prevention among adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe. The study explored whether an over-encapsulated pill combining PrEP and an oral contraceptive would be preferred, acceptable, and support better adherence compared to PrEP alone.
Findings showed high interest and strong preference for a dual purpose prevention product, but low adherence to the daily oral regimen. These results will help inform future research using larger samples and evaluating the smaller, co-formulated version of the DPP, which may provide clearer insights into its potential role in HIV and pregnancy prevention.
Read the full article here: [https://rdcu.be/eRwyx]