Bio Sketch
I am a qualitative researcher with a background in Clinical Social work and specialize in clinical trials focused on prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis and HIV with over a decade of experience. I am currently based in Harare at the University of Zimbabwe-Clinical committees I also serve as a member-in-training of the ACTG Behavioral Science Subcommittee under the mentorship of Dr Jennifer Furin. I have special training in Systemic Counselling, qualitative Interviewing/motivational interviewing, ethnographic studies, conducting behavioral assessments, participant screening and selection. Through the integration of socio-behavioral science in biomedical studies I have also had the opportunity to design qualitative interviewing tools and informed consent forms.
I have interest in Tb treatment shortening, stigma reduction, treatment preferences and improving TB treatment adherence through innovative technologies and counselling. I place significant importance in identifying and reducing Barriers (Myths and misconceptions) to treatment of DS-TB/DR-TB & HIV and using socio-behavioral assessments to determine treatment choices and acceptability and the way this affects reception of new drugs for the treatment/prevention of TB/HIV. I consider the importance of factors affecting adherence, treatment impact and end user preferences and am Interested in advocacy for issues pertaining to TB healthcare and treatment.