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
Project Team
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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.
