We are a multidisciplinary group including clinicians, epidemiologists, microbiologists, data managers and social scientists.
We are a multidisciplinary research group of clinicians, allied health professionals, epidemiologists, statisticians, immunologists, microbiologists, geographical information specialists and social scientists.
We conduct research aimed at improving health and well-being across the life course. We focus on public health issues of relevance to Zimbabwe and the region. Our research group is multidisciplinary and collaborates with a range of local and international academic institutions, so that we can access the expertise to conduct research to the highest standards.
We are committed to generating evidence that has impact on policy and practice. We therefore work in close partnership with policymakers including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the National Tuberculosis Programme, the World Health Organization, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations. Our research has informed national and international guidelines.
Community engagement underpins all our work so that we can ensure that the work is relevant and respectful to our local context and that communities are not simply passive beneficiaries of our research.
We are strongly committed to developing research capacity. We do this through supervision and mentorship of Masters and PhD students, running training courses on research methods and supporting development of data management and laboratory capacity.
Who we are |
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 Director |
I obtained my primary medical degree from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and following postgraduate training in internal medicine and clinical specialist training in HIV Medicine and Sexual Health, I joined the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Between 2003-2005, I worked for two years as a clinical lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the University of Zimbabwe and as a physician at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Since 2007, I have been based in Harare, hosted by the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) where I I lead the Zimbabwe-LSHTM research partnership. Our focus is on HIV, Adolescent Health, Chronic non-infectious morbidities, Tuberculosis and Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance. I currently hold a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship in Clinical Science and I am an Honorary Consultant Physician in HIV Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust, London. I go up to Domboshava to relax and think! |
 Professor Katharina Kranzer Deputy Director |
I am a medical microbiologist, with my primary medical degree from the Technical University Munich (Germany). Following my MRCP in the UK, I did my clinical specialist training in medical microbiology in London. From 2015-2018 I headed the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory in Germany, which also serves as a WHO Supranational Reference Laboratory for several countries in Central Asia and West Africa. I undertook a Masters in Epidemiology (distance learning) and a Masters in Tropical Medicine and International Health at LSHTM. From 2008-2011 I worked as a Wellcome Trust PhD fellow in Cape Town investigating the effect of active TB case finding and anti-retroviral therapy on TB epidemiology in South Africa. I have worked with Prof Rashida Ferrand and the LSHTM/Zimbabwe Research partnership on adolescent health for 7 years. I have recently re-joined LSHTM and moved to Zimbabwe at the beginning of 2019. It is a great place to work and to do research, mainly because the people are very enthusiastic and interested. |
 Ethel Dauya Field Director |
I am a public health specialist with 20 years of experience in research on HIV, TB and adolescent Health. I have coordinated Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 trials involving adolescents and young people for more than 10 years. I manage the CHIEDZA trial and provide oversight for other field studies in our group. Before becoming a researcher, I was a nurse manager for the Harare City Health Department. I have a Masters in Public Health, degree in Community Development and diplomas in Community Nursing, Midwifery, General Nursing with certificates in Family Planning and Syndromic Management of STI. |
 Tsitsi Bandason Data Manager |
I am the lead data manager/statistician supporting various research study teams. My vast research interests are in HIV and TB research and statistical methodology. I joined the Biomedical Research and Training Institute in 2004 and I have been involved in the development of data management processes and documents and also provide statistical analysis services. Prior to this, I was a data manager for the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Statistics and an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Zimbabwe. |
 Dr Vicky Simms Assistant Professor (Statistical Epidemiologist) |
I am a statistical epidemiologist in the MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. I work on randomised controlled trials and cohort studies in the areas of HIV, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and mental health, including children and adolescents. I have been working with the Zimbabwe LSHTM research partnership since 2015, moving from the UK to Zimbabwe in 2019. |
 Lovemore Sigwadhi Biostatistics Research Fellow |
I am a research biostatistician with a research focus on the utilisation of the latest information technology, quantitative methods, and biostatistics methods to improve data presentation, modelling and prediction. I work across several research projects trying to build these techniques supporting management strategies. I was previous based in Cape Town at Stellenbosch University where I have been working on several areas such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and COVID-19. Current projects that I am working on include CHIEDZA, STICH (STIs in CHIEDZA), YCHECK, Parirenyatwa COVID-19 and ICAROZ. I have a passion for biostatistics and have an MSc in Biostatistics (Stellenbosch University, 2019), MSc in Operations Research and Statistics (National University of Science and Technology, 2016), BSc Special Honours in Statistics (University of Zimbabwe, 2014) and BSc General Degree in Mathematics and Statistics (University of Zimbabwe, 2013) |
 Dr Sarah Bernays Social Scientist, Senior Lecturer in Global Health @sarah_bernays |
I am an anthropologist with expertise on HIV and adolescent health. I have been running qualitative studies and supporting social science capacity development in Zimbabwe for the last ten years. My focus is on conducting community participatory research using a range of qualitative methods to inform the design and development of interventions as well as process evaluation of complex interventions. I am a co-investigator on the CHIEDZA and B-GAP studies. I have a split academic appointment as an associate professor between the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Sydney. The best part of my role is working with passionate researchers and young people collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. |
 Constance Mackworth Young Assistant Professor (Medical Anthropologist) |
I am a Medical Anthropologist, with a research focus on young people, sexual and reproductive health, and participatory qualitative methodologies. I work across research projects on these topics with the LSHTM-Zimbabwe Research Group, leading the social science components. Current projects that I am working on include CHIEDZA, STICH (STIs in CHIEDZA), the Professional Development Programme on Adolescent Wellbeing, Zvatinoda, Y-CHECK, and GIFT. I will be based in Zimbabwe from 2021. I was previously based at Zambart in Zambia, where I conducted studies with young people, and conducted my PhD, which explored the impact of HIV on the everyday lives of young women through ethnographic study in Lusaka, Zambia. I hold an undergraduate degree in Biological and Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health and a PhD, both from LSHTM. |
 Aoife Doyle
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I am an Associate Professor in Epidemiology at the LSHTM. For the past 17 years, my research has focused on the health and well-being of young people. I have been a member of the Zimbabwe-LSHTM Group since 2018 collaborating on the CHIEDZA trial and leading the 2018-19 Young People’s use of Technology, and Mental health and well-being (YTM) study. I have been based full-time at BRTI since June 2021 leading the design, implementation and evaluation of Y-CHECK, a novel adolescent health check-up strategy. My research is currently funded through a UK Research & Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-25). I am originally from Ireland but over the past 20 years have lived in England, Scotland, France and Tanzania. |
| Dr Chris Grundy |
I’m the map guy. I have an MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and have been at LSHTM for over 25 years. My research focuses around how to improve data collection, from population estimation methodology to selection of random locations for surveys. My other area of interest and work extends to public engagement and getting young people involved in science. Maps are a fantastic way to engage with communities, and I encourage communities we work with to map for themselves as a means of giving them ownership of research. Currently I am also very involved with supply of datasets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Producing a dataset for WHO on the public health and social measures countries are putting in place to tackle the pandemic. I work with the CHIEDZA and B-GAP projects in Zimbabwe and contribute to the Youth Researcher Academy, an initiative to train youth as researchers. I also run GIS courses and supervise any of the PhD students in our research group. Where there are maps you will probably find me. I also supervised the development of Rashida’s garden of succulents. |
Study leads |
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 Dr Farirai Nzvere |
I am a physician and current Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the University of Edinburgh, where I am involved in the UNCOVER (Usher Network for COVID-19 Evidence Reviews) research group. My clinical experience, including working with refugee populations, has shaped my research interests which lie at the intersection of diabetes self-management and the socioeconomic health determinants that play a significant role in diabetes health inequities. This passion led to the formation of a diabetes non-profit organisation based in the United States. In my current role, I oversee the Y-Check study, evaluating the effectiveness of health check-ups in adolescents and the ICAROZ study, which involves screening healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2 in addition to common chronic conditions and the subsequent linkage to care process. Upon completing my MPH, I intend to pursue a PhD in adolescent health check-ups and build on the foundations laid by the Y-Check study. |
 Rudo Chingono |
I am a Social Scientist with a background in public health research. I previously earned a MSc in Social Science & Child and Family Studies from Africa University, and is currently in my final year of a PhD in Global Health Research at the University College London. For the past 7 years, I have coordinated a number of HIV related studies with focus on child development, adolescents and maternal health. My experience in this area has led to me being passionate about mental health awareness, especially among women in Zimbabwe. Recently, I have expanded my research interests to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health as well as its impact on mental health. I am leading a Social Science study that seeks to understand the impact of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine programme on antimicrobial prescribing practices of healthcare workers. |
 Edson Marambire |
I am an experienced and passionate public health professional, recently completed Masters of Public Health with Africa University and holding strong aspirations of advancing further. I am currently involved in the oversight of ICAROZ and ERASE TB studies, an experience which has exceptionally sharpened my skills in the field of clinical research coordination. I previously held the same position with the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre between 2019-20 before joining BRTI. Having a nursing background, qualified with a BSc (Hons) Nursing Science from the University of Zimbabwe in 2009, I manoeuvred through the HIV and TB prevention and treatment programmes working with well-known non-governmental organisations such as PSI, Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation; where I was mainly involved in programming as well as programme monitoring and evaluation. |
 Dr Nyasha Dzavakwa |
I am a medical doctor and an epidemiologist who is passionate about HIV implementation research in children and adolescents. Currently I am working as a clinical trial physician with coordinating duties in the VITALITY trial. My previous work has included providing HIV care and treatment services to paediatric and adolescent patients and providing technical support in health facilities carrying out quality improvement projects. I hope to pursue a PhD in community HIV research in children and adolescents. I obtained my MBChB degree from the University of Zimbabwe. I am also a WHO-TDR alumni from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa where I obtained my MSc Epidemiology-Implementation Science degree. |
 Arun Fryatt Clinical Team Lead Decentralisation of COVID-19 Care in Zimbabwe (DCCZ) |
I am a medical doctor from the UK who initially came to Zimbabwe to work as a volunteer on the COVID-19 Unit at Parirenyatwa Hospital. I got involved with BRTI by coordinating the community SARS-CoV2 Seroprevalence survey initially and subsequently leading the Decentralising COVID-19 Care in Zimbabwe (DCCZ) project working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, WHO and the Higherlife Foundation. I previously worked in the UK for the NHS for 4 years and will return to complete my training there in the coming years but with the intention to come back and work again in Zimbabwe as a clinician and researcher. |
 Aveneni Mangombe Adolescent Wellbeing Professional Development Programme
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Aveneni is a social scientist (Social Worker and Demographer) who has vast experience in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programming, advocacy, and research, with a special focus on adolescents and youth. As such, in varied capacities, he has designed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated a number of adolescent health programmes (including operational studies). Being the first ever National Coordinator for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe’s Adolescent and Youth Health programme, between 2006 and 2020, he led and managed the multisectoral response (both national and regional) towards SRHR needs of adolescents and youths, through the national ASRH Coordination forum established in 2010. He has also been very instrumental in the development and operationalization of key national and international strategies/guidelines, including operational studies, global standards on adolescent health and comprehensive sexuality education as well as preparing country reports based on international standards/templates. He also led and conducted a review of laws, polices and strategies related to adolescent and youth SRHR, as part of a regional process under the ESA commitment. He has also participated meaningfully in designing and implementing national health studies and has vast experience in scientific and advocacy paper writing and publishing (including reviewing articles for various journals). He is also a member of various committees, at local and international levels, such as the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA) Advisory Group and the Scientific Committee member for the International Workshop on HIV & Adolescence. In my current role with the BRTI, I am the Partnerships Management Coordinator for the Adolescent Wellbeing Professional Development Programme. The programme, funded by ViiV Health Care is being implemented through a collaboration between the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the LSHTM. |
|
 Tarisai Chirenje Chiyaka |
I am a social scientist, demographer and public health practitioner who attained a Masters in Population Studies (UZ). I have worked in different research capacities with over 15 years’ experience working with women, girls, and the youth in the following programming areas: Reproductive Health and HIV I was involved in different population-based surveys (Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey 2010/11 and the 2012 National Census) and respondent driven sampling surveys (SAPPH-IRe Trial 2013-2016 and DREAMS Impact Evaluation 2016 to 2019). My current role as the Project Manager involves managing the Neotree Project, developing an ehealth platform for admission and discharge of neonates at hospitals in Zimbabwe (Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital) designed to improve newborn survival through a combination of quality-of-care improvement. I am responsible for all research and administrative aspects of the project. The exposure I have had this far has increased my research interest in maternal and neonatal health delivery and I am also aspiring to register for a PhD. |
 Tadios Manyanga FRACTURES E3 |
I am a Clinical Trials research practitioner with more than 8 years’ experience in Clinical Trials conduct, internal monitoring, and coordination. I have strong managerial background both in theory and practice. I am currently the Project Coordinator for the Fractures E3 study in Zimbabwe and also lending a hand to the VITALITY study at an administrative capacity. I am also registered for an MSc Clinical Trials at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. My highest qualification is a Master of Business Administration (MBA - Solusi University). I hold a Bachelor of Science Health Education and Health Promotion (University of Zimbabwe). I also have a diploma in General Nursing (Harare Central Hospital). I recently graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (Project Management Zimbabwe). |
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Post-doctoral fellows |
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 Justin Dixon |
I am a medical anthropologist whose research combines social theory and a range of methods to understand global health challenges. After studying anthropology at the University of Cape Town, I completed my PhD research at Durham University focusing on the ethics of clinical trials in South Africa. I am the social science coordinator of the FCDO-funded FIEBRE study in Africa and Asia. I am co-investigator on a Wellcome-funded study examining the effects of mass typhoid vaccination on antimicrobial prescribing in Harare. Currently, my research interests cover a wide range of topics including multimorbidity, antimicrobial resistance, global health sovereignty, vaccines, typhoid, tuberculosis and COVID-19. I am particularly interested in developing new collaborative ways of working, and as part of a recently-awarded Wellcome Trust Humanities and Social Science Fellowship I will be working with a wide range of disciplines and domains of expertise to develop an interdisciplinary framework for tackling the rising challenge of multimorbidity in the global south. I am a mentor for the Fleming Fund Fellowship scheme in Zimbabwe. |
 Dr Edith Majonga |
I am a postdoctoral research fellow with BRTI and a lecturer (part-time) in the Department of Medical Physics and Imaging Sciences at University of Zimbabwe-College of Health Sciences. I attained my PhD at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. I also hold an MSc and BSc in Radiography from National University of Science & Technology and the University of Zimbabwe, respectively. My interest is in clinico-epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in children and adults and use of novel non-invasive diagnostic techniques. My current work focuses on vascular assessment using non-invasive techniques including vascular ultrasound (intima-media thickness), pulse wave velocity (arterial stiffness), flow-mediated dilation and peripheral artery tonometry (endothelial function) in collaboration with Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London. I am also preparing for a study on myocardial disease characterisation using magnetic resonance imaging in young people with HIV where we will be collaborating with experts from Oxford Centre for Magnetic Resonance (OCMR), University of Oxford. |
 Ms Chido Dziva Chikwari |
I am an Epidemiologist with a background in Biomedical Science with Business. My main research areas are evaluating strategies to improve the implementation of HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health interventions for adolescents and young people. I am currently a study coordinator for CHIEDZA trial and the STICH study which is nested within CHIEDZA. I am also part of the planning team for the Youth Researchers Academy (YRA) in Zimbabwe. |
 Dr Felicity Fitzgerald |
I am an Academic Clinical Lecturer in paediatric infectious diseases based between University College London and BRTI, Harare. I am working on a portfolio of studies investigating infection control and antibiotic resistance based in the neonatal unit at Harare Central Hospital with my collaborators Dr Gwen Chimhini and Dr Simba Chimhuya. We are planning to set up an interventional study reducing nosocomial transmission of neonatal sepsis, and have recently introduced tablet-based electronic medical records using the NeoTree application. |
PhD fellows |
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 Tinotenda Taruvinga |
I am a Fogarty TRENT COVID-19 PhD fellow with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). My PhD focuses on the impact of the SARS-CoV -2 pandemic on the health care system using maternal and child health as a case study. I graduated with a Master of Public Health (MPH) International Development (distinction) from the University of Sheffield. I was the sole winner of the Public Health and International Development Prize for Excellence (2020) and the Sheffield University Southern Africa Scholarship Support Fund (SUSASSF 2018/19). I have experience of conducting two academic research work in Nepal and Bangladesh. Furthermore, after having 13 years of public health experience, I developed interest in public health emergency response and conducting research that influence policies. Currently I am working as an Epidemiologist with the Africa Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). |
 Ms Arthi Vasantharoopan |
I am a PhD student in health economics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. My research interests revolve around infectious diseases in vulnerable populations. I am conducting the economic evaluation of the B-Gap study; a targeted HIV testing and support intervention for children and adolescents in urban and rural Zimbabwe. My supervision team guiding me through the process are Dr Vicky Simms, Dr Lorna Guinness and Dr Hendy Maheswaran. I hold a MSc in Epidemiology and a BSc in Health Sciences. |
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I hold a BSc (Hons) Medical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Public Health (First Class) from the Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand). Currently I am a PhD Fogarty Fellow registered with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. My PhD focuses on the impact of tuberculosis on the livelihoods of patients and their households. I am a Senior Operational Research Fellow with the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), seconded to the National TB Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe. In this capacity I have published at least 34 articles in peer-reviewed journals. I also provide mentorship during national and international Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT) operational research workshops conducted by the World Health Organisation/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and The Union. |
 Ms Constancia Mavodza |
I am a global health researcher navigating evidence generation for programme implementation and policy development. I am registered for a PhD at LSHTM and my research will focus on the process evaluation of the family planning intervention in the CHIEDZA trial. My work has included sub-Saharan Africa focused research and advocacy on HIV/AIDS, human resources for health, gender and health systems, and sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescents and young people; and coordinating cancer clinical trials. I hold an MPH specialising in Health Systems and Policy research from the University of Cape Town, and my first degree is from Amherst College where I majored in Neuroscience. |
 Ms Cynthia Kahari |
I am a diagnostic radiographer with experience in bone densitometry research utilising dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and now peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). I am pursuing a PhD with LSHTM, focusing on use of pQCT in HIV infected patients. The aim of my research is to understand the effect of HIV and its treatment on pQCT measured trabecular and cortical bone architecture at different time points through the life course in two independent populations in sub-Saharan Africa. I have a BSc (honours) in Radiography and an MPhil, both from the University of Zimbabwe. My MPhil research was on bone mineral density in adult healthy Zimbabwean women. |
 Ms Mandikudza Tembo |
I am a public health specialist and a PhD research fellow with a focus in menstrual health management and adolescent sexual and reproductive health service delivery. I am extremely passionate about women’s health, rights, and well-being. I have vast experience coordinating and implementing interventions focusing on SRHR, addressing the needs of the LGBTQI community, and women’s health. I hold an MSc in Global Health and Development from UCL and a BA in Public Health and Women's Gender Studies. My current research is focused on menstrual health management (MHM) among 16-24-year-old young women in Zimbabwe. Nested within the CHIEDZA cluster randomised trial, the MHM sub-study will investigate the uptake, acceptability, and effectiveness of a novel comprehensive MHM intervention that provides MHM education, analgesia, and MHM products such as reusable pads, the menstrual cup, and period pants. |
 Farirayi Kowo Nyakoko |
I am a PhD student with the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton. My PhD will compare skeletal maturation in three sub-Saharan African countries. I will do bone age assessment in two cohorts (Zimbabwe and The Gambia) and the data will help in answering questions on how bone age differs by measurement method in Zimbabwe and how bone age differs from chronological age in Zimbabwean and The Gambian populations. It will also facilitate better understanding of how chronic conditions like HIV and malnutrition have an impact on skeletal maturity. I did my MSc and BSc in Radiography with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). |
 Dr Ruramayi Rukuni |
I graduated from Bristol medical school in 2009 and carried out my postgraduate medical training in Cambridge. I have held an academic public health training post in Oxford since 2013 and I was awarded a Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellowship in 2017. I am currently taking time out of training to complete my PhD with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I am the principal investigator for a longitudinal study investigating HIV-associated musculoskeletal disease in children and adolescents in Harare – the IMVASK Study. |
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I am a social scientist with experience in using qualitative research methods, and a research student in the Faculty of Public Health and Policy at LSHTM. I completed a Masters in Development Studies at the Freestate University in the Republic of South Africa. My first degree is a Bsc Honours in Sociology obtained at the University of Zimbabwe. My interests in research are in the areas of HIV/AIDS, antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as well as drug resistant tuberculosis in Africa. I am on a studentship program in the FIEBRE Social Science Study, investigating the connections between fever and antimicrobial use. Previously I coordinated the implementation of two Population based HIV Impact lmpact Assessment surveys in Zimbabwe (ZIMPHIA) and Lesotho (LePHIA), and coordinated a baseline survey of drug resistant tuberculosis in Harare. |
 Claire Calderwood |
I am a Respiratory Registrar and Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD fellow in Global Health Research at LSHTM. My research interests are in tuberculosis and chronic diseases, particularly chronic respiratory disease including post-TB lung disease, in resource-limited settings. My PhD will be based in Zimbabwe with the Biomedical Research and Training Institute as part of the Zim-LSHTM Research Partnership, where I will be investigating the relationship between chronic diseases and TB risk and developing approaches to integrate chronic disease screening with active case finding for TB among TB household contacts. I’m looking forward to joining the team in Harare in October 2021! |
 Kevin Martin |
I am a Wellcome Trust clinical PhD fellow in global health. For my PhD research, I will be implementing and evaluating a strategy for integration of point-of-care diagnostics for STIs into antenatal settings in Harare, supervised by Professor Rashida Ferrand, Professor Katharina Kranzer, and Dr Michael Marks. After graduating from University College London in 2016, I have been based in Brighton, UK for my postgraduate clinical training. After completing the academic foundation programme, I undertook an MSc in Tropical Medicine and International Health at the LSHTM. For this, I conducted a mixed methods study nested within the CHIEDZA trial, assessing the uptake of and factors associated with unselected STI testing among youth, which laid the groundwork for my PhD proposal. I subsequently held an NIHR academic clinical fellowship in genitourinary medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, where I continued to work on mixed methods research assessing the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for STIs. |
 Mr Tafadzwa Madanhire |
I am a biostatistician by training from the University of Zimbabwe currently supporting observational and longitudinal musculoskeletal studies within the group. My role involves developing statistical plans and performing the subsequent analyses. I am an aspiring PhD research fellow with interests in HIV, modelling mechanistic bone pathways and skeletal growth in children. |
MSc Students |
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| Yoshiaki Kanno |
Leyla Sophie Larsson | Tadios Manyanga |
Nicol Redzo |
Mutsawashe Chisenga |
International collaborators
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Helen Weiss |
Richard Hayes |
Lackson Kasonka |
Ulrich Schaible |
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Sarah Rowland-Jones |
Kate Ward |
Celia Gregson |
Professor David A Ross |
Public engagement |
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 Mr Mufaro Makuni Public Engagement Coordinator |
I am the group’s Public Engagement Coordinator with a background in social sciences. My role encompasses mainly handling public and community engagement activities, implementing communications and dissemination strategies on multiple studies. I manage the group’s social media platforms: the Zim-LSHTM twitter account, Zim-LSHTM and CHIEDZA websites, maintaining a photos and videos repository containing study activities as well as organising workshops and dissemination meetings. I hold a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Organizational Psychology and Political Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa and a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance and Strategic Leadership from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. I like to watch movies and catching up on current affairs in my spare time. |
 Tino Michelle Mavimba Public Engagement, Crowdsourcing, Branding |
I specialise in communications, marketing and design and particularly how these disciplines can be used in the effective engagement of young people. I have coordinated the branding of numerous LSHTM-Zimbabwe research projects including; The Art of Health, CHIEDZA, ERASE TB, Vitality, TAZ and MaCoCo. |
Administration team |
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 Mr Ivan Chigonde Finance Officer |
I am the group’s finance officer and a Registered Public Accountant with PAAB. I joined the research group in 2001 and I have managed all the research grants since then. My role includes preparing financial statements as per donor agency requirements, assisting in preparation of budgets, monitoring of budgets and expenditure to ensure adherence to policies and procedures. I am currently studying towards completion of my Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. I have an ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy with the Southern African Association of Accountants (SAAA) and am a member of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe (ICSAZ), a registered Public accountant and a holder of a practicing certificate in Accountants with PAAB Zimbabwe. I plan to complete my honours degree in Applied Accounting in 2021, upon submission of my project with Oxford Brookes University, UK. |
 Mr Tendai Muchena Administrator |
I am the group’s administrator and my role includes organizing meetings, supporting our overseas research visitors, procurement, managing regulatory applications and visas for our team and working with the field manager to ensure that field procedures run smoothly. I joined the group in 2008, initially as an administrator for a 1 year project, then joining the research teams as a research assistant. I trained in Marketing and M&E in the past, and I am currently in my final year for a BSc (Hons) degree in Development Studies. I plan to undertake an MSc in 2020. |
 Mr Richard Chinangwa Assistant Coordinator and Logistician |
My current role encompasses reviewing logistical functions, identifying areas for improvement, proposing strategies to minimise cost of goods and transport, fleet management, allocating supplies and products to designated studies, procurement and warehousing management, maintaining business relationships with suppliers and ensuring payments of customs and clearing costs. My academic background includes obtaining an Advanced International Diploma in Transport and Logistics (Chartered Institute in Logistics and Transport). I have also worked for Médecins Sans Frontières (Holland) in logistics department for 12years. My passion is to start Masters in Supply Chain in Transport and logistics. In my spare time I fix vehicles. |
 Ms Nyaradzo Mabido Finance Assistant |
Currently Finance Assistant with Chartered Institute of Secretaries Part A and B. Studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Business management, majoring in Business Finance with the Midlands States University. |
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is considered a threat to global health and development. Our group is actively engaged in AMR research targeted at local health institutions in Zimbabwe.
- ICAROZ
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers and the health care system in Zimbabwe
Lead researcher: Prof Katharina Kranzer
Funder: University of Bristol (Elizabeth Blackwell Institute Global Public Health Research Strand)
Host institute: Biomedical Research & Training Institute (BRTI)
Collaborators: Dr Justen Manasa (BRTI), Prof Chiratidzo Ndhlovu (University of Zimbabwe), Dr Hilda Mujuru (University of Zimbabwe), Prof Simbarashe Rusakaniko (University of Zimbabwe)
We hypothesise that frontline health care workers are pivotal to SARS-CoV-2 response and establishing rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing and communication of results for healthcare workers will help to prevent nosocomial transmission, reduce transmission in the community and lay the foundation for an effective and robust surveillance system.
The aim of this study is to implement comprehensive occupational health services including SAR-CoV-2 testing integrated with screening for major causes of morbidity and mortality in frontline health care workers, with rapid feedback of results to reduce nosocomial spread and trace household contacts.
MaCoCo
Lead researcher: Rudo Chingono
Study coordinator: Tinotenda Taruvinga
Funding: UKRI GCRF/Newton Fund Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Partner(s): Organisation for Public Health and International Development (OPHID)
Maximising benefit and minimising the harm of COVID-19 control measures on child and women’s health in four sub-Saharan African countries
The MaCOCO study is an MNCH-related project whose aim is to understand the negative impact of COVID-19 disease control measures including lockdown, on child and women’s health. The study will conduct a rapid and urgent impact assessment of COVID-19 and COVID-19 control measures on health systems functioning, child health and women’s health in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. This will be done with the aim to describe the design and evolution of COVID-19 control measures across these countries and identify interventions, including further research, which will minimise harm to children and women, and avoid worsening gender inequalities.
The main deliverables of the study include setting country report incorporating new knowledge about how COVID-19 control measures impact on health of children and girls/women, with recommendations for how children and women may be better protected. The study will also report on the different approaches and strategies taken to control COVID-19 across the four countries, with recommendations on how research and evidence ca be produced and harnessed to strengthen future policy making and implementation. The study will also deliver a series of in-country stakeholder discussions and meetings and establish opportunities for cross country dialogue and a collaborative research network that will set the foundations for future research studies.
- ARGUS
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Lead researcher: Ioana Olaru
Funder: UK Department for International Development (DfID) 2018-21, Wellcome Trust
Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-negative bacteria from Urinary Specimens (ARGUS) is a study of the prevalence, risk factors and molecular mechanisms of AMR. The aims of this study are to determine prevalence of and underlying molecular mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance in gram negative bacteria causing urinary tract infections in Zimbabwe. The study will:
- examine how antimicrobial resistance impacts on clinical outcome
- evaluate antibiotic consumption and prescribing practices at the primary clinic level
The study is expected to provide valuable information on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and will inform treatment guidelines, as well as strategies to prevent development of antibiotic resistance. The information on antibiotic consumption will be used to optimise prescription practices and contribute to limiting the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- FIEBRE: causes of fever and antimicrobial resistance
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Principal Investigator: Dr Katharina Kranzer
Lead researcher: Ioana Olaru
Social scientist: Salome Manyau
Funding: UK Department for International Development (DfID)
Host institute: Biomedical Research & Training Institute (BRTI)
Across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, one of the most common symptoms to prompt someone to seek healthcare or be admitted to hospital is fever. With limited diagnostic facilities the cause of fever can be difficult to determine, and often patients are given antibiotics they may not need. The aim of FIEBRE is to identify the causes of fever, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial pathogens causing fever, in low- and middle-income country settings where few data are available.
The Febrile Illness Evaluation in a Broad Range of Endemicities (FIEBRE) study will investigate the causes of fever in four countries: Zimbabwe, Lao PDR, Malawi and Mozambique. The results will help to inform updated, evidence-based algorithms for the management of febrile illnesses and provide data that may be used to design new diagnostics and rational approaches to disease surveillance. These outputs will ultimately help health systems and providers to provide more appropriate care to patients and lead to better clinical outcomes. In Zimbabwe, the FIEBRE study has contributed to the detection of ciprofloxacin-resistance in Salmonella Typhi which will lead to collaborations with the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory.
FIEBRE also includes social science research to understand how fever and antimicrobial use are understood and conceptualised, and how social factors shape access to and use of antimicrobials.
- TAZ
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Study title: Impact of a Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Campaign on Antimicrobial Prescribing in Harare, Zimbabwe - Social Science Study *With an added component on COVID-19
Lead researcher(s): Rudo Chingono, Justin Dixon, Katharina Kranzer
Funding: Wellcome Trust, UKAID, University of Oxford
Partner(s): LSHTM, Sheffield University, Harare City Health
Study Information: The typhoid burden in Zimbabwe is high with the country having over 16,398 suspected cases of typhoid were notified between 2009 and 2017, of which 619 were microbiologically confirmed. Contributing factors to this include poor water and sanitation. In attempt to control number of cases of typhoid, a typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) was mass administered to children (6 months -15 years) in several high-density suburbs of Harare in 2019. Antimicrobial prescribing has been ongoing over the past decade, with health care workers (HCWs) being at the front-line at community level. TCV may have reduced typhoid cases, but it's important to know also whether the vaccine has also led to reduction in antimicrobial prescribing, which is a contributor to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The TAZ Social Science study seeks to determine the social factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing by HCWs so as to understand the community-level impact that disease prevention measures such as novel vaccines are having. With the study taking place in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study will seek to gain an appreciation of how COVID-19 has also impacted prescribing practices in association with the reduction of typhoid cases.
Find out more about the various studies we facilitate in musculoskeletal health research that chiefly investigate the impact of HIV on bone mineral density.
- VITALITY
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Principal Investigator: Rashida Ferrand
Funders: European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)
Partners: University of Bristol, University Teaching Hospital of Zambia, Research Centre Borstel Leibniz Lung Center, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, University of Oxford, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Sub-Saharan African Musculoskeletal Network, Ministry of Health & Child Welfare
One of the adverse effects of the HIV infection among children are bone deficiencies (skeletal development). Therefore, the purpose of this trial is to establish whether supplementation with vitamin D3 (weekly) and calcium carbonate (daily) improves musculoskeletal health among peripubertal CWH (children living with HIV) aged 10-19 years in Zambia and Zimbabwe over a period of 48 weeks. In addition to this, the study will also investigate the intervention's effect on muscle mass and strength and to determine the sustainability of the intervention's effects by performing a follow-up at 96 weeks after the supplementation period.
- IMVASK: the impact of HIV on bone density in children
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Lead researcher: Ruramayi Rukuni
Funder: Wellcome Trust UK, 2018-2020
Impaired linear growth (stunting) is one of the most common manifestations of perinatally-acquired HIV and can adversely impact bone and muscle development and function, particularly during adolescence – a critical period of growth.
We hypothesise that children with HIV may have reduced bone mass accrual during adolescence, which will put them at increased risk of adverse musculoskeletal outcomes such as osteoporosis and fracture.
In the IMVASK study (the IMpact of Vertical HIV infection on child and Adolescent SKeletal development), we aim to determine the impact of HIV infection on bone mineral density (BMD) in peri-pubertal children aged 8–16 years who are established on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Find out more in this video.
- MENOPAUSE
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Lead researchers: Rashida Ferrand (Zimbabwe), Celia Gregson (UK), Lisa Micklesfield (South Africa)
Funders: University of Bristol Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Investment Grant Scheme (UK)
Partners: BRTI, University of Bristol, University of the Witwatersrand, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit University of Southampton
Summary: Understanding the impact of HIV infection and its treatment on the musculoskeletal health of African women as they transition through menopause2019-2021
The scale-up of antiretroviral treatment has dramatically improved survival, such that across Africa, increasing numbers of women with chronic HIV are now reaching the menopause and beyond. The menopause is a period of metabolic change with effects on the skeleton associated with increased fracture risk. Research has seldom focused on African woman at this stage of life. This is a mixed-methods study.
We are investigating whether HIV infection and its treatments worsen menopausal bone loss, and whether good viral suppression, achieved through antiretroviral treatment (ART), attenuates this HIV effect. We are examining whether certain ARTs, eg. tenofovir, may have more detrimental effects on bone mass and architecture, and if HIV infection is associated with earlier menopause. We further wish to understand women’s opinions about menopause and their experiences of menopause and associated health, and to identify unmet needs, for example in knowledge, understanding and/or health care provision. Understanding both patterns of bone loss and women’s opinions about menopause in the context of HIV infection will help inform future interventions and guidelines.
Materials available to download:
- Women Menopause booklet Ndebele (pdf)
- Women Menopause booklet English (pdf)
- Women Menopause booklet Shona (pdf)
The study has three work packages:
Workpackage 1: Qualitative Study in Harare and Soweto
We will interview women at different stages of menopause to understand country-specific contexts and women’s priorities at this stage in life.Workpackage 2: Longitudinal analysis
We will analyse data already collected from 450 women followed-up over a 4-year period in Soweto, Johannesburg, to determine changes in bone density through menopausal transition and how this is influenced by the presence of HIV infection.Workpackage 3: Cross-sectional study
We will collect new data from 380 pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women living in Harare. Each will complete detailed questionnaires and undergo musculoskeletal evaluation by DXA and pQCT measurement of bone and muscle mass, as well as assessment of muscle function and physical performance.This body of work will involve team training and build musculoskeletal research capability in these areas, and expand the Sub-Saharan African MuSculOskeletal Network (SAMSON).
Our group has a large sexual reproductive health research component that consists of trials and interventions that seek to investigate the effectiveness of HIV services (HIV self-testing, STI testing and HIV counselling) and menstrual hygiene management for youths.
- CHIEDZA: improving HIV outcomes in Zimbabweans aged 16-24
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Lead researcher: Rashida Ferrand
Funding: Wellcome Trust 2017-2022
Partner: OPHID
CHIEDZA, which stands for Community based interventions to improve HIV outcomes in adolescents: a cluster randomised trial in Zimbabwe, is a two-year study to develop and evaluate the impact of a community-based, youth-friendly reproductive and sexual health service on improving HIV outcomes in people aged 16-24.
Adolescents and young people aged 16-24 rarely visit health care facilities for help and advice about sexual and reproductive health. These facilities are often remote and therefore difficult or expensive to get to. Young people can also perceive them as intimidating places where they will be judged by health care staff, who may also not respect young people’s need for confidentiality.
In order to address these challenges, the CHIEDZA study will investigate the effectiveness of a community-based, youth-friendly approach that makes use of mobile clinics to deliver sexual and reproductive health services. A group of young Zimbabweans aged 16-24 will help us to design and configure the service, and the health team will be trained in respect, confidentiality and non-judgement.
CHIEDZA is a cluster-randomised trial, which means that we will deliver the new service in 12 randomly selected areas in Harare, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East. Other areas will have access to existing services only. The trial will run for two years, starting in 2019. In 2021, we will conduct a survey to measure levels of HIV viral suppression in the population and then compare the results to see whether the youth-friendly service has made a difference.
For more information see the CHIEDZA website and watch these videos:
- CHIEDZA study film (short version)
- CHIEDZA study film
- MAE study: Menstrual Hygiene Management for Young Women
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Lead Researcher: Mandi Tembo
Funding: Fogarty Grant and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)
Partners: BRTI, Ministry of Health and Child Care, AFRIpads, The Butterfly Cup and Siempri
The Menstrual health management Acceptability, Uptake and Effectiveness (MAE) study is a two-year study designed to investigate and evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and effectiveness of a novel comprehensive menstrual health management (MHH) intervention on MHH knowledge, practices, and perceptions among women aged 16-24 in Zimbabwe.
Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is a human rights issue; yet, it remains a challenge for many, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). MHH includes the socio-political, psychosocial and environmental factors that impact women’s menstrual experiences. However, high proportions of girls and women in LMICs have inadequate MHH due to limited access to menstrual knowledge, products and stigma reinforcing harmful myths and taboos.
In order to address the need for MHH in our communities, we worked with a group of young Zimbabwean women to develop a suitable comprehensive MHH intervention. The MHH intervention will include comprehensive educational materials, analgesia and reusable menstrual health products, such as the menstrual cup, reusable pads, and period pants.
We will implement, and then evaluate, the MHH intervention within the two-year CHIEDZA study, an ongoing cluster-randomised trial of community-based, youth-friendly services to improve HIV outcomes in people aged 16-24 in Zimbabwe.
We will investigate the uptake of the MHH intervention by looking at participants’ product choices and their use of the products over time. We will also assess its effectiveness by looking – over time – at participants’ pain management and their MHM knowledge, practices, and perceptions. Lastly, we will assess the acceptability of the intervention via a comprehensive qualitative appraisal of the products within the intervention and a process evaluation of the MHH intervention overall.
- STICH: STIs in CHIEDZA
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Lead researchers: Suzanna Francis, Rashida Ferrand, Richard Hayes
In most low and middle-income countries, symptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are treated by syndromic management, yet sensitivity and specificity of this approach for STIs are poor. The STICH (STIs in CHIEDZA) study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based screening for STIs using newer diagnostic technologies among youth in Zimbabwe.
The study measures the uptake and yield of STI screening and comprehensive case management including partner notification. All clients accessing CHIEDZA are offered testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia; women are also offered testing for trichomoniasis. The impact of this intervention on population level prevalence of STIs will be measured in a subset in the CHIEDZA endline survey.
The study will also have a cost-effectiveness assessment and a process evaluation of the intervention's implementation (using the same framework as for the parent CHIEDZA study) will be undertaken.
- GIFT
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Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT) for HIV prevention and reproductive health: point-of-care cytokine biomarker lateral flow test for asymptomatic inflammatory sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Lead researcher(s): Katharina Kranzer and Chido Dziva Chikwari
Funding: EDCTP
Partner(s): UCT, LSHTM
Women with asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) have genital inflammation that increases their risk of HIV infection and reproductive complications. In resource-limited settings, BV and STIs are only treated if women present with clinical signs or symptoms (syndromic management) because this approach is easily implemented, relatively inexpensive and patients are treated immediately. However, clinical signs and symptoms are poor predictors of common STIs and BV, and the majority of women who have a laboratory confirmed STI or BV are asymptomatic. Women with asymptomatic infections have the same level of genital inflammation as women with symptomatic infections, which is elevated compared to women who do not have an infection.
GIFT could improve the health of women in Africa and other regions where syndromic management is implemented. Averting even a small proportion of HIV infections and adverse birth outcomes linked to undetected but inflammatory STIs/BV would have a massive economic and social impact.
Study aims:
- To optimise GIFT device specifications and manufacture under ISO13485/2016 conditions
- Test the field-ready GIFT device in a regulatory-body registered clinical trial in women from South Africa, Madagascar and Zimbabwe including evaluation of vaginal immune and microbial endpoints:
- Evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of device implementation with stakeholders, including conducting discrete choice experiments, developing implementation algorithms and evaluating cost-effectiveness
- Conduct commercial market testing of produced device.
- B-GAP: identifying and supporting children with HIV (ZENITH)
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Lead researcher: Chido Dziva Chikwari
Funding: UK Medical Research Council and DfID, 2017-2020. Also supported by Orasure
Partners: OPHID, PSI, MMPZ, Duke Global Health Institute
The Bridging the Gap in HIV testing and care for Children in Zimbabwe (B-GAP project) aims to investigate the effectiveness of targeted HIV testing for children aged 2–18 years and community health worker deliver support visits to children diagnosed with HIV and their caregivers.
The specific objectives are:
To investigate the effectiveness of targeted HIV testing and counselling offered to children living in households with HIV positive individuals in identifying undiagnosed HIV-an approach known as index-linked HIV testing To investigate the effectiveness of community-based support offered to HIV-infected children and their caregivers in improving linkage to care and viral suppression To estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of targeted HIV testing and HIV support strategies To conduct a process evaluation of the interventions’ implementation, mechanisms of impact and local context to inform the components required for sustainability and scalability.Sub-studies:
As part of the B-GAP study, we also carried out sub-studies to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of oral HIV test kits for children and also to assess whether caregivers can use HIV self-test kits to test their own children for HIV. This data has been used by WHO and they have now prequalified oral HIV test kits for use in children.
Another sub-study took place in 2018, when Chris Grundy and MSc student Edom Wessenyeleh did a mixed-methods pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of strategies that would help allow people to record the location of their home in urban and rural areas using their own smartphones, a borrowed smartphone or a borrowed GPS device. This information is useful in many studies, for example to assess how far people have to travel to reach health services. - FAST: HIV self-testing for young people
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Lead researcher: Grace McHugh
Funding: European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) 2018-2020
Partners: SolidarMed, PSI, Ministry of Health and Child Care
Young people have the highest incidence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, but the lowest rates of testing. The Feasibility and Acceptability of HIV Self-Testing in adolescents and young people (FAST) study will investigate whether self-testing using oral mucosal transudate (OMT) tests could be a solution. An OMT test is a small oral swab that can be used to detect HIV antibodies in the inside cheek and around the gums.
We will distribute 5,000 OMT self-testing kits to young people aged 16-24 at tertiary education institutions. We will measure the proportion of people who complete a test and, if necessary, are referred for health care. We will also conduct qualitative interviews to understand young people’s experiences of HIV self-testing and the referral process.
Young people who receive the test kits will have the option of downloading a mobile app, ITHAKA, which gives step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the OMT test and allows users to submit their test results via the app; the cost of which will be covered by pre-paid mobile phone data. Alternatively, they can choose to test at the distribution point, in a private booth.
Watch this video to find out more.
- Y-CHECK
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Lead investigators: Aoife Doyle, Rashida Ferrand, Chido Dziva Chikwari, Constance Mackworth-Young, Rudo Chingono
Study Coordinator: Farrie Nzvere
Funders: United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-25); Fondation Botnar (2019-20)
Partners: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, City Health Chitungwiza, World Health Organization, University of Ghana School of Public Health and Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit.
The absence of routine health check-ups during adolescence in low- and middle-income countries is a missed opportunity for prevention, early identification and treatment of health issues, and health promotion. Y-Check will involve the screening and treatment/referral of adolescents for a range of common health conditions through check-up visits at two key time points during adolescence: early adolescence (10-13 years) and mid/late adolescence (16-19 years). Adolescents will only be screened for conditions with an accurate and acceptable screening test and a locally-accessible effective intervention eg. mental health, HIV, vision, hearing and anaemia. The package of services will include general health information and risk reduction counselling.
Y-Check Phase 1 (2019-20) involved multi-country formative work on check-up visits led by WHO, Geneva with funding from Foundation Botnar in partnership with Zim-LSHTM, Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit/National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania, and the University of Ghana (Chingono, Mackworth-Young et al. J Adolesc Health. 2021). The UKRI-funded second phase of Y-Check (2021-25) will involve the implementation of Y-Check in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe generating evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
TB research is integral to our group’s activities. Our efforts intend to prevent TB infection and disease.
- ERASE-TB
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Principal Investigators: Dr Theodora Mbunda, Dr Celso Khosa, Dr Junior Mutsvanga, Norbert Heinrich and Katharina Kranzer
Site Principal Investigators: Andreas Johannes Zede, Denise Banze, Khosa Celso, Hazel Dockrell, Tejaswi Appalarowthu, Gunilla Källenius, Junior Mutsvangwa, Theodora Mbunda, Nyanda Ntinginya, Issa Sabi, Alfred Mfinanga, Kathrin Held
Funders: European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCPT), European Union
Partners: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Medical Center of the University of Munich, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministry of Health & Child Welfare, Harare City Health, National TB Program, Cepheid, Biomerieux, Beckman Coulter, SD Biosensor
Erase TB is a study that seeks to evaluate new diagnostic tests for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in its early stages. Recent studies demonstrate that the infection transitions between less active and more active states and therefore if the disease is detected in its early stages, we can prevent it from becoming infectious.
The study will enrol 2100 household contacts, people living in close proximity with someone recently diagnosed with TB. We will perform a follow-up every six months over a minimum period of 18 months and a maximum period of 24 months. We will actively diagnose TB using CXR and WHO symptom screen followed by Xpert MTB/RIF testing, if screened positive. All participants will have blood and urine samples stored for investigation at a later point in time.
- INHALE
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Lead researcher: Edith Majonga
Funders: Wellcome Trust, Nina Ireland Program for Lung Health
Partners: University of Oxford, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science
Long-standing HIV infection in children and adolescents is associated with chronic comorbidities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where there is often delayed diagnosis of HIV and/or initiation to antiretroviral therapy. Chronic lung and cardiac disease are common comorbidities in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV. The INHALE (Investigation of Heart and Lung Diseases in HIV among older children) study explores chronic lung and cardiac disease among older children and adolescents with perinatally HIV with the following aims:
Understand the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and progression of lung and cardiac disease in older children and adolescents (aged 6-16 years) living with perinatally-acquired HIV. Explore the possible pathogenic mechanisms that may be associated with chronic lung disease in this population. Determine normal ranges for cardiac structures and lung capacity among older children and adolescents in Zimbabwe who do not have HIV, using echocardiography and spirometry.Key papers from INHALE
1. Majonga ED, Rehman AM, McHugh G, Mujuru HA, Nathoo K, Odland JO, Ferrand RA, Kaski JP. Incidence and Progression of Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Older Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Adolescents Taking Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2020;70(7):1372-8.
2. Majonga ED, Chiesa ST, McHugh G, Mujuru H, Nathoo K, Odland JO, Kaski JP, Ferrand RA. Carotid intima media thickness in older children and adolescents with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy. Medicine. 2020;99(17):e19554.
3. Bhadriraju S, Fadrosh DW, Shenoy MK, Lin DL, Lynch KV, McCauley K, Ferrand RA, Majonga ED, McHugh G, Huang L, Lynch SV, Metcalfe JZ. Distinct lung microbiota associate with HIV-associated chronic lung disease in children. Scientific reports. 2020;10(1):16186-.
4. Yindom LM, Simms V, Majonga ED, McHugh G, Dauya E, Bandason T, Vincon H, Rylance J, Munyati S, Ferrand RA, Rowland-Jones SL. Unexpectedly High Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus DNAemia in Older Children and Adolescents With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2019;69(4):580-7.
6. Rylance S, Rylance J, McHugh G, Majonga E, Bandason T, Mujuru H, Nathoo K, Rowland-Jones S, Henrion MYR, Simms V, Ferrand RA. Effect of antiretroviral therapy on longitudinal lung function trends in older children and adolescents with HIV-infection. PloS one. 2019;14(3):e0213556.
7. Majonga ED, Rehman AM, Simms V, Mchugh G, Mujuru HA, Nathoo K, Odland JO, Patel MS, Kaski JP, Ferrand RA. High prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities in older HIV-infected children taking antiretroviral therapy. AIDS (London, England). 2018;32(18):2739.
8. Desai SR, Nair A, Rylance J, Mujuru H, Nathoo K, McHugh G, Majonga E, Metcalfe J, Kranzer K, Ferrand RA. Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Chronic Lung Disease in Children and Adolescents in Zimbabwe: Chest Radiographic and High-Resolution Computed Tomographic Findings. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2018;66(2):274-81.
9. Majonga ED, Rehman AM, McHugh G, Mujuru HA, Nathoo K, Patel MS, Munyati S, Odland JO, Kranzer K, Kaski JP, Ferrand RA. Echocardiographic reference ranges in older children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Cardiology. 2017;248(Supplement C):409-13.
10. Rylance J, McHugh G, Metcalfe J, Mujuru H, Nathoo K, Wilmore S, Rowland-Jones S, Majonga E, Kranzer K, Ferrand RA. Chronic lung disease in HIV-infected children established on antiretroviral therapy. Aids. 2016;30(18):2795-803.
- BREATHE
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Lead researcher: Grace McHugh
Funding: Medical Research Council of Norway, 2014-2019
Partners:
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Programme
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
- IDM, University of Cape Town
- University of Tromso - the Arctic University of Norway
Aims/Objectives:
One of the most common conditions of children with perinatal HIV is chronic lung disease, which may be caused by repeated infections that damage lung function over time. We are carrying out a randomised placebo-controlled trial of the antibiotic azithromycin for adolescents with HIV and symptoms of chronic lung disease in Malawi and Zimbabwe. The trial is due to end in August 2019.
Watch this video to find out more.
We believe research should be done in partnership with the communities with whom we work. See our public engagement initiatives.
- Art of Health Pilot Competition 2021
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Background
The Art of Health (AOH) was established in 2020 to effectively engage young people on issues of health & well-being, utilizing creative expression as the fundamental thrust. Through the execution of an imaginative health-themed competition, young people are given a safe and youth-friendly platform to "express themselves" through original music, drama and design content creation.
The innovative expressions are a successful instrument for commitment that can have momentous and enduring effects for the education, advancement and prosperity of young people, expanding their capability to be positive furthermore, profitable supporters of their networks.
The present age of young people is the biggest and generally persuasive ever, to a limited extent, because of the flood of web empowered gadgets and other most recent communication methods. Present day procedures of commitment that appeal to their common advantages should subsequently be formed, if any extensive sway is to be accomplished. The Art of Health will cure the hindrances to regular and dated youth commitment practices, which will in general regularly be seen by young people as dull, inadequate and unimportant to them and their friends.
Art of Health Competition 2021 breakdown
This is year the competition is divided into five stages:
Registrations
Young people in various communities in Zimbabwe are being registered for the Art of health competition and their details are being stored for communication and future engagement purposes.
Auditions- Eligible participants are those that are 16 – 30 years old (inclusive), Zimbabwean and residing in Zimbabwe for the duration of the competition.
- To audition for the music competition, participants must send their full name and a 60 second video of themselves singing/rapping a song about health to a designated WhatsApp number (+263 774 109 163)
- To audition for the drama competition, participants must send their full name and a 60 second video of themselves performing a drama/ monologue or poem about health to a designated WhatsApp number (+263 774 109 164)
- To audition for the design competition, participants must send a picture of a drawing/ painting/ graphic design about health to a designated WhatsApp number (+263 774 109 165)
- From the auditions, 15 finalists will be selected for the music competition, 12 for the drama competition and 12 for the design competition.
- These finalists will advance to the mentorship stage where they will be mentored by Zimbabwe’s top creatives on issues such as creativity, song writing, script writing communication, personal branding, styling, recording studio techniques, confidence, health and well-being principles and more.
Finalists will then produce original content which will be filmed and packaged as a competitive show.
Competition
The creative original content produced by the finalists will be packaged as a creative health competition whereby the public will be invited to interact with and vote for their favourite acts.The Art of Health competition itself will produce a great number and variety of creative health content that will be used to drive engagement. In addition to that promotions will be held whereby audiences will be encouraged to create their own AOH themed projects for which they will win prizes. Finally, we will develop content intended to illicit responses such a digital comic book called ‘The Adventures of Haru & Jabu’ which will see community audiences discuss issues based on various health and wellbeing themes.
We strongly believe that engagement with young people is a two-way street and will therefore set up various advisory groups from around the nation who will have input in the themes that are highlighted in the comics. This will enable young people to participate fully in The Art of Health and to develop as leaders.
- COVID-19 Information
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The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered our lives as Zimbabweans and the world over. In keeping with international health organisations’ efforts in disseminating important information to reduce the spread of the virus, our research group has developed COVID-19 preventative measures infographic visuals, for the community and public health sector to follow. We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of the general public during this period by urging them to adhere to these practices when engaging in everyday activities and when performing healthcare work in community settings.
Unpacking COVID-19 - For our communities
COVID-19 Precautions for Health Workers
- Chiedza Mobilisation 2020
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Since the start of the year, the Chiedza study has been actively executing their mobilisation strategy to increase awareness of the study’s core activities (sexual reproduction health services) aiming to increase service uptake in the communities where they operate (Harare, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East). Ms Tino Mavimba (Head of Operations, Ardent Creative), one of the study’s key partners, heads up a team of enthusiastic community mobilisers to ensure these mobilisation objectives are met. Her statement reflects their progress thus far;
‘’Our dynamic teams of community mobilisers operate across three provinces (Harare, Mashonaland East and Bulawayo) and act as the bridge between the CHIEDZA Centres and the vibrant communities in which they operate. You cannot miss them, singing, dancing and engaging with young people in their bright blue tees! Since mobilisation efforts began in February 2020, we have seen a significant increase in service uptake in the various communities. We expect this to increase even further as the team continue to devise tailored strategies for community engagement.’’
- Global Health in Mbare
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On 28 February 2020, Research fellow, Chido Dziva Chikwari, presented at the UCHI event on sexual health in Mbare in partnership with the Australian Embassy and Global Health Dorcas.
The programme included a presentation on:
Unpacking Sexual and Reproductive Health for Young People in Mbare; Views through a Gender and Cultural Lens
- Youth Researchers Academy
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The Youth Researchers Academy (YRA) is a 2-week residential orientation program aimed at training young people on research concepts, methodology and implementation.
This year’s residential training will focus on skills building, incorporating several activities such as group work, role plays, and games to promote learning through action rather than one-way communication, presentations or lectures.
Youth researchers (YRs) will be directed to one of a few proposed research projects and will work with a research mentor to plan a pertinent research question and approach. Findings will be introduced to the whole group toward the end of week two. Administered by their mentors, the YRs will go through 2-3 months executing their projects. Project results will be disseminated to stakeholders upon fulfilment.
Find out more see the YRA Manual (pdf).
- Residential Training Programme
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From 6-10 May, 18 selected young people attended a residential training programme where they learned research concepts, methodology and implementation, focusing on sexual and reproductive health. At the end of the week youth researchers presented their research project plans to national and international stakeholders. Over the next 3 months youth researchers conducted their research projects with a mentor, and presented the results at a stakeholder ceremony hosted by UNICEF/UNESCO in October 2019.
For International Youth Day 2019 the youth researchers created their own videos about their experiences, representing the theme 'Transforming Education'.
It has been such a wonderful experience for me ... I know a lot about the youth, the problems they face.
Rosina Chuchu, menstrual health management team YRA
- Chiedza’s Song
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Funded by a Wellcome Trust International Engagement Award, we created Chiedza’s Song in 2016, a 1-hour film telling the true story of an adolescent girl growing up with HIV in Zimbabwe. It was filmed and produced by Picturing Health, a UK-based non-profit organisation specialising in health-related films, in collaboration with the award-winning Zimbabwean filmmaker Joe Njagu. The film was based on more than 50 interviews with HIV positive young people in Harare. it was designed to encourage dialogue about the challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV.
The film has two versions, both available here. One version, intended for showing in community halls in Harare, is interactive, with a pause during which one of the main characters would appear on stage to host a group discussion. The second version includes film of a community hall discussion, and plays through without a break.
A Facilitation Guide is available for use by teachers or community groups showing the film, in any context. It is a guide to stimulate conversations about the key issues faced by children and adolescents living with HIV, such as discrimination and the challenges of taking lifelong treatment.
- CHIEDZA Life Skills course
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Since 2008, we have been running a life skills course for adolescents living with HIV in Harare. This is a 12 session course run by volunteers from our research group, Tendai Muchena and Godwin Chizano along with staff at Harare Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The sessions are delivered monthly on a Saturday and focus on issues that adolescents face. Sessions are interactive and participatory and include group activities, videos, games. Q&A sessions and individual activities. The sessions are updated based on feedback received from participants.
The Chiedza Life Skills Training Manual is for facilitators wishing to lead sessions with young people on HIV within a high HIV prevalence context such as Zimbabwe. It includes session outlines and guidance on how to talk through the disease and treatment and some of the difficult emotions which might arise.
Further resources are available from Mesh, a collaborative open-access web space for people involved with community engagement with health research in low and middle-income countries.
- School Engagement Programme
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We engage with young people from community-based schools in Harare through our school engagement programme that is currently being implemented on multiple studies. The main objective of this programme is to provide a platform for students with a passion for science to express their ideas and develop projects in a structured fashion as well as to expose them to healthcare and research professionals to inform their career aspirations. The programme chiefly consists of science clubs, science fairs, research field trips and internships for the students that we actively coordinate and provide resources.
See the Science Student Handbook (pdf) and Science Manual (pdf) for more details.
MSc students
- Leyla Larsson
- Yoshiaki Kanno
Interns
Salmaan Ferrand
Leyla's blog
For my MSc project in fulfilment of my degree in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, I had the opportunity to work with the BRTI team on data from the CHIEDZA trial. My project investigated the relationship between menstrual health service uptake and HIV testing uptake within the context of CHIEDZA, aiming to understand if those who attend CHIEDZA for menstrual health services are also more likely to get tested for HIV.
I had the amazing opportunity to conduct my project while based in Harare which made my MSc project an unforgettable experience. Not only was I able to pick the brains of staff working on CHIEDZA analysis or other projects, but I also had the opportunity to meet all the people who make it happen daily at BRTI. It was truly humbling to be able to conduct my project alongside people who carry out such important research and impact the lives of so many individuals here in Zimbabwe. I have learned so much about research design, analysis strategies, and challenges in program implementation during my time here in Harare.
My experience with the CHIEDZA and overall BRTI team has been invaluable. I would highly recommend Rashida’s team to any student wanting applicable experience surrounded by some of the best mentors in the field.
Email zimbabwegroup@lshtm.ac.uk if you are interested in carrying out your MSc summer project with the Zimbabwe LSHTM research partnership.
MSc projects library
Over 100,000 triple layered reusable cloth masks from Esquel Group (China) were donated to the ministry and were officially received by Minister Hons Dr E Ndlovu to subsequently distribute in schools across the nation.
Extending a hearty congratulations to researcher, Tinashe Mwaturura, for leading on submitting an entry to HIV Open Call on Informed Consent and Ethics in Research Involving Young People (VOICE). A proposed informed consent solution embedded in the CHIEDZA endline survey (and was top three out of 110 entries).
Our group represented by researchers, Dr Chido Dziva Chikwari and Constancia Mavodza, took the initiative to provide sexual reproductive health services (SRH) and menstrual hygiene products to adolescent girls and young women in partnership with Population Services Zimbabwe, Childline and the Swedish Embassy in Zimbabwe.
A health crowdsourcing competition (18 Oct –19 Nov) targeted at young people ages between 10 to 19 years (from Chitungwiza), that aimed to stimulate bright ideas, striking images and unique strategies to encourage young people to seek regular check-ups. The results were fascinating projects in the music and design categories for which winners were announced on the 25 November. The next phase of this public engagement endeavour is a Hackathon in December, that will see top contestants developing the Y-Check brand through logo design and theme song creation.
Our junior academics (PhD & MSc students) took part in a 3-day comprehensive presentation skills and public speaking training to better represent themselves on public platforms. The sessions covered presentation dos and don’ts where they acquired useful tips on how to properly format and structure PowerPoint presentations, and learning technical aspects to presenting well. This training was highly interactive with our student particularly noting how beneficial it was!
Dr Farrie has joined the International Statistics and Epidemiology Group to commence his PhD programme in January 2022 which will evaluate the effectiveness of a school and community-based health check-up intervention.
Dr Chido Dziva Chikwari begins her new position as an assistant professor at the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology within the Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on 15 November 2021.
Vicky begins this new role as associate professor on 10 November 2021. The rest of the group commends her for this achievement!
In school engagement (Mabvuku High School), the science club curriculum began its series of student field trips to the BRTI laboratories. These field trips will serve as career guidance to expose students to biomedical science and laboratory settings. Core activities includes touring the molecular and microbiology departments to learn about PCR testing and blood sampling.
SAHM (Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine) issued the Southern Hemisphere Award to Mandi Tembo as recognition for her work in menstrual hygiene research and public health activism.
Rashida Ferrand led a successful bid for a Wellcome Trust Doctoral training Programme- Global Health Research in Africa Awarded GBP 11,877,508. The programme is a consortium of five UK institutions and six African Partner institutions in the Gambia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The programme will award five PHD fellowships per year to health care professionals and five matched fellowships to fellows from the African partner institutions over 5 years.
This year’s meeting featured two talks from our researchers titled:
- Integrated occupational health services for health care workers in Zimbabwe by Katharina Kranzer
- SARS-CoV-2 sero-prevalence in Harare after the first and second wave by Arun Fryatt
In collaboration with the Menstruation Research Network and funded by the Leverhulme Trust, Mandi Tembo, will be presenting on the use of social media as a powerful form of menstrual health advocacy and an educational tool at the “Menstruation and Media Conference” at the University of Sheffield. The conference focuses on media narratives about menstruation and related topics. It will bring together researchers in the fields of journalism and media studies as well as activists.
This is a health crowdsourcing competition aimed at youth aged between 10 to 19 years. The competition is themed on adolescent health and wellbeing to encourage regular health check-ups among youth and calling for entries in the music and design categories. The study will be assisted by a team of enthusiastic youth champions working in Chitungwiza to gain entries. The best candidates will enter the next phase of the competition which is a Hackathon (in December) that will see them developing the Y-Check brand through logo design and theme song creation.
A handful of our researchers and public health professionals delivered impactful presentations themed around the COVID-19 pandemic. These talks reflected this year’s theme in celebrating healthcare professionals’ efforts in rolling out the COVID vaccination programme.
Dr Chido Dziva Chikwari won the National AIDS Council Prize for the best HIV paper covering the Zimbabwe National HIV programme priority areas. For the social science paper category, Nyasha Buwu, won the Michael Gelfand Prize.
Mandi Tembo becomes a ‘A Million Girls Foundation champion’. The A Million Girls Foundation is a South African foundation focused on empowering young girls and young women to attain their own economic and financial freedom. As a champion, Mandi Tembo is part of a diverse group of individuals from various top Educational, Legal and Financial professions chosen to represent an organization with a deep passion for the development and education of young African girls.
A closer look at the public engagement projects in Zimbabwe that are currently running under the Wellcome Trust Enrichment Grant to enlighten our stakeholders (MSc and PhD students, public health professionals and LSHTM Centres) on the novel ways we are engaging young people in science and research. We took centre stage to showcase the Youth Researchers Academy programme, the School Engagement Programme and the Art of Heath Crowdsourcing Competition in an effort to inform, educate and seek opportunities for collaboration to sustain public engagement initiatives in Zimbabwe. This event also featured an engrossing keynote talk from the esteemed infections doctor and BBC broadcaster, Dr Chris Van Tulleken, on human anatomy.
The VITALITY study set up an event to encourage and promote good adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as well as, the VITALITY study drugs. The event was held on two separate weekends (9 and 16 October 2021) to accommodate all participants in keeping with the stipulated COVID-19 guidelines (maximum of 100 people per gathering). On both days, an interactive adherence quiz game where, participants were divided into five groups to encourage them to share ideas and help them to learn from each other about the importance of good ART adherence, disclosure, virologic suppression, and knowledge about the VITALITY trial.
The inaugural Professional Development Programme on Adolescent Wellbeing started this week. This is a new modular 18-month course for programmers and policymakers working across different sectors, jointly developed and supported by the University of Zimbabwe, LSHTM and the Biomedical Research and Training Institute. The programme is participatory and will see participants develop, implement and evaluate a “change project” across the 18 months to improve adolescent well-being.
