LSS

 Supporting Laboratory Systems Strengthening Activities in Zimbabwe 

 

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of the project is to optimise Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV VL/EID) activities and ongoing laboratory monitoring to ensure reductions in morbidity and mortality across age, sex, and risk groups (pregnant women, breast feeding women and paediatrics). This will be done through addressing the following objectives. 

Viral Load and EID

To increase Viral Load and EID including Point of Care (POC) testing from 64% to achieve 95% coverage

LIMS

To optimize and decentralize LIMS to all 15 Viral Load laboratories and all 56 laboratory hubs to support data management needs and timely result reporting. 

Specimen Transportation

To optimize integrated specimen transportation system to improve access, coverage, and quality of care in all 63 national districts

Strengthen

To strengthen the Clinic Laboratory interface (CLI) initiative at 500 health facilities across the country 

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Masvingo Provincial laboratory after receiving their SADCAS accreditation certificate
Lab
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Monitoring and Evaluation Visit Guruve District Hospital
M&E
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Transportation of specimens by a rider in Masvingo province
Transport
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COVID Lab LIMS Implementations and Training
Training
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collaborative CLI learning sessions in Murewa
Training
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Samaringa Clinic in Manicaland Site Mentorship
Training

Project Team

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Dr Shungu Munyati (PhD)

Dr Shungu Munyati (PhD)

Principal Investigator

As Director–General of BRTI she oversees overall leadership, direction, and day to day activities of the institute. She has over 20 years of experience in research administration and project management having administered fellowships, coordinated training grants for capacity building to support post graduate training

Mr. Levi Vere

Mr. Levi Vere

Program Director

He has over 18 years of professional experience in clinical laboratory, public health and health research practice in Zimbabwe and Botswana. He has been program lead and pivot of PEPFAR-supported laboratory systems strengthening programs in Zimbabwe for over 7 years.

Mr Goodridge Mguni

Mr Goodridge Mguni

Senior Programme Manager

He is a medical laboratory practice, project management and public health professional with a total of 18 years’ experience and 7 years implementing PEPFAR/CDC’s laboratory systems strengthening initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Ms Patience Musasa

Ms Patience Musasa

Programme Manager

She is a medical laboratory practice, microbiologist, and Quality Management Professional with 15 years’ experience. She has actively contributed to laboratory quality systems, lab mentorship and strengthening the Clinic laboratory Interface in Zimbabwe

Mr Kidson Mataruka

Mr Kidson Mataruka

Technical Lead

He is a clinical laboratory scientist with specialization in Medical Microbiology and 17 years’ experience in laboratory practice and mentorship.

Mr Innocent Mdlongwa

Mr Innocent Mdlongwa

Laboratory Advisor – Quality Assurance

He is a seasoned Clinical Laboratory Scientist with specialization in Clinical Epidemiology. He has over 21 years’ experience in laboratory practice with more than 10 years of focus on implementation of ISO15189 Laboratory quality management systems and supporting accreditation activities.

Mr. Mufaro Masamha

Mr. Mufaro Masamha

Technical Lead

He is an Informatics specialist with specialization in Information systems development and implementation management with a total of 9 years’ experience and 3 years implementing PEPFAR/CDC laboratory system strengthening initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Mrs. Chiedza Mguni

Mrs. Chiedza Mguni

Technical Lead

She is a laboratory management and public health professional with more than 18 years public health experience inclusive of more than 10 years working in PEPFAR supported health programs

Dr Ronnie Matambo (PhD)

Dr Ronnie Matambo (PhD)

TB/STI Program Specialist

He is also the TB Program Expert for BRTI. He is a public health Specialist and an accomplished researcher. His work experience spans for over 25 years in public health, project management and research

Mr. Trymore Murakwani

Mr. Trymore Murakwani

Program Advisor

He is a seasoned Data Analyst and Strategic Information Expert with a keen interest on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS.  He has over 7 years of experience in monitoring HIV in the community, in clinical settings and in the laboratory.

Mr. Wilson Mashange

Mr. Wilson Mashange

Technical Lead

He is a laboratory practice and public health professional with over 20 years’ experience in health/social sciences research and programming. He has been coordinating the M&E for PEPFAR/CDC funded Infection Prevention & Control and laboratory system programs for the past over 7 years.

Partners

The main stakeholders in the project are MOHCC, CDC, BRTI and clinical implementing partners. MoHCC and CDC oversees overall implementation of the project and provide technical assistance. BRTI is also working with Infection Control Association of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) and The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) in implementing some of the project objectives.