Chairperson

Dr Ntokozo Ndlovu

Qualifications: Master of Medical Science Degree in Clinical Epidemiology (MMed Sci: Clin Epi), University of Newcastle, Australia, 2002. Master of Medicine Degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology (MMed Rad & Onco), University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, 1993. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degrees with Honours in Biochemistry (MB ChB), University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, 1985.

Dr Ntokozo Ndlovu is the Chairperson of the Department of Oncology in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). She is a Clinical/Radiation Oncologist by profession and a Clinical Epidemiologist/Cancer Researcher. She was Course Coordinator of the Master of Medicine Degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology (MMed Rad & Onco) for 25 years till July 2020. She is also the Chairperson of the Division of Radiotherapy and Oncology - Radiotherapy Centre - Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare, Zimbabwe where she conducts clinical practice and clinical teaching. She is responsible for the administrative running of the centre that serves as the tertiary referral centre for the treatment of cancer covering most of the country. She contributed to the rehabilitation of the radiotherapy treatment and clinical teaching facilities at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo. The refurbishment of these units saw the introduction of modern treatment techniques in the country coupled with the necessary staff training to achieve that.

In cancer research, she has a special interest in areas relevant to improving the lives and treatment of people with cancer in Zimbabwe and the region, to include HIV and cancer, equity/access to cancer treatment and capacity building in cancer management. She is the Chairperson of the Non-communicable Diseases Research Group in the FMHS and the Cancer Research Sub-Group thereof. Dr. Ndlovu is also the International Vice Chairperson for the Solid Tumour Working Group for the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC), National Cancer Institute, USA and an International Activities Subcommittee member. She has engaged in protocol development, served as Principal Investigator and Protocol Chair for some AMC African studies. As research supervisor, she has mentored international and local young researchers out of interest in developing cancer researchers and institutional research capacity.

As part of work done in the African region, she was the Project Scientific Consultant of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regional Radiotherapy Project for 3 successive terms (2008- 2019) This entailed working with IAEA Technical Officers and regional national project coordinators of the IAEA Member States, to identifying gaps and make recommendations of solutions to radiotherapy treatment and management problems common to African Member States. She was the elected President of the African Radiation Oncology Group (AFROG) from 2009 - 2013. She is a member of the African Cancer Coalition a regional body that is harmonizing international cancer treatment guidelines (NCCN) to be suitable for use in the African continent in collaboration with the American Cancer Society. The Coalition is also responsible for collaboration with Chemo-Safe to promote the safe handling and administration of chemotherapy drugs in the region.

Nationally, she contributed towards the development of the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy, as the Chairperson of the National Coalition for Cancer Committee responsible for the strategy development in 2012 and led the subcommittee on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment for the same. She is the Chairperson of the Technical Working Group for the revision of Oncology in Zimbabwe National Cancer Treatment Guidelines. As a member of the National Palliative Care Integration Taskforce, she contributed to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Technical Working Group thereof and is a committee member of the Palliative Care National Advisory Steering Committee.

As Vice Chairperson and Member of the Executive Committee for the National Cancer Registry Advisory Committee, she serves in the editorial board for the Pattern of Cancer in Zimbabwe -National Cancer Registry Annual Reports that provide the national statistics on cancer incidence and mortality. This registry is one of the few African cancer registries recognized internationally. As Board chairperson of the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (2010 to 2019), she was responsible for overseeing the mandate to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation nationally.

Senior Lecturer

Dr Pasipanodya Nziramasanga

List of Published Articles

1. P. Nziramasanga & David M. Lupan (1985) : Elastase activity of Coccidioides Immitis. Journal of Medical Microbiology Vol. 19 page 109-114.

2. P Nziramasanga & D.M. Lupan (1985: Elastase activity of Fungi with Anamorphs similar to Coccidioidis immitis. Mycopathologia, Dec,92 (3) page 169-71.

3. P Nziramasanga & P M Shah and W. Stille (1993): Control of intracellular growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum by human monocytes in vitro. Journal of Chemotherapy Vol. 5 (2) Page 103 – 106.

4. P. Nziramasanga & D.M. Lupan (1986): Collagenolytic activity of Coccidiodes immitis.Infection and Immunity 52 (1) page 360 – 361

5. P. Nziramasnga, P.M. Shah and W. Stille (1993): Resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum to killing by Monocytes- Derived Macrophages. Rev. Espanol Quimioterapia Macrh Vol. 6 (1)

6. D.T Mcleod, P. Neil, J.R. Robertson, A.S. Latif, J.C. Emmanuel, J.E. Els, L.K.Z. Gwanzura, F.E.J.Trijssenaar, P. Nziramasanga, G.R. Jongeling, D.A. Katzenstein, N. Nkanga and S.B. Lucas (1989): Pulmonary disease in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus in Zimbabwe, Central Africa. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 83, pg 694-97

7. Interviews E.W., Ch. A Thomas, P. Nziaramasanga, P. Kurz, J. Vlachoyannis and P.M. Shah (1990): Influence of Ciprofloxacin on the Phagocystosis of Staphylococci, E. coli and P. aeruginosa by Human Peritoneal Macrophages. Revista espanol de Quimioterapia 3 (3): pg 137 – 40

8. P. Nziramasnga, P.M. Shah and W. Stille. (1995): Intercellular Antimycobacterial activity of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin in Mycobacterium fortuitum infected human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology Vol. 8, no. 3: pg 209 – 215

9. C.L. Obi, B. Makandiramba, V. Robertson, S.A Tswana, S.R. Moyo, P. Nziramasanga (1998): In viro activity of piperacillin and tazobactam combination against clinically significant bacteria.. East Africa Medical Journal, Vol 75, no 3: pg 161 – 164

10. Obi C.L., Makandiramba B, Tswana S.A., Robertson V.J., Moyo S.R., Nziramasanga P (1999): In-vitro disk diffusion sensitivity of meropenem against bacterial pathogens in Harare. East Africa Medical Journal 76 365

11. R.T. Mavenyengwa and P. Nziramasanga (2003): Use of culture methods for recovery of atypical mycobacteria from stools of AIDS patients. Central African Journal of Medicine Vol49 (3/4); pg 31-37, 2003

12. R.T. Mavenyengwa, P. Masunga, E. Meque, T. Kudinha, S.R. Moyo, L. Bevanger, K. Bergh, P. Nziramasanga and T. Mapako (2006): Streprococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and persistence in pregnancy; a comparison of two diverse communities (rural and urban). Central Africa Journal of Medicine Vol52 (3/4); pg 8-13, 2006

13. Mtapuri-Zinyowera S, Ruhanya V, Midzi N, Berejena C, Chin'ombe N, Nziramasanga P, Nyandoro G, Mduluza T. (2014): Human parasitic protozoa in drinking water sources in rural Zimbabwe and their link to HIV infection. Germs. Dec 1;4(4):86-91

14. Mukaratirwa A, Berejena C, Nziramasanga P, Shonhai A, Mamvura TS, Chibukira P, Mucheuki I, Mangwanya D, Kamupota M, Manangazira P, Tapfumaneyi C, Gerede R, Munyoro M, Mwenda JM, Mphahlele JM, Seheri ML, Peenze I, Gonah AN, Maruta A, Tengende MB (2014): Epidemiologic and genotypic characteristics of rotavirus strains detected in children less than 5 years of age with gastroenteritis treated at 3 pediatric hospitals in Zimbabwe during 2008-2011. Pediatr Infect Dis J. Jan;33 Suppl 1:S45-8.

15. Chimhuya S, Manangazira P, Mukaratirwa A, Nziramasanga P, Berejena C, Shonhai A, Kamupota M, Gerede R, Munyoro M, Mangwanya D, Tapfumaneyi C, Byabamazima C, Shibeshi EM, Nathoo KJ. (2015): Trends of rubella incidence during a 5-year period of case based surveillance in Zimbabwe. BMC Public Health. Mar 27;15:2 94.

16. Mamvura TS, Chin'ombe N, Ruhanya V, Nziramasanga P. (2015): Seroprevalence of rubella virus IgG in pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe. Germs.2 Jun 5(2):50-2

17. L. Padya, N. Chin’ombe, M. Magwenzi, J. Mbanga, P. Nziramasanga (2015): Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium Species of Public Health Importance In Cattle In Zimbabwe by 16s RNA Gene Sequencing. The Open Microbiology Journal Vol 9, pg 1-12

18. Chin’ombe N., E. Munemo, M. Magwenzi, B. Muzividzi and Nziramasanga P. (2015) First cases of Mycobacterium elephantis in Zimbabwe revealed by 16 S Ribosequencing Archives of Clinical Microbiology Vol 6 (4) : 10 1-3

19. Chin’ombe N., B. Muzividzi, E. Munemo, Nziramasanga P. (2016) : Molecular identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in humans in Zimbabwe using 16S Ribosequencing. The Open Microbiology Journal Vol 10 : 3-13

20. Musona-Rukweza J., C. Haruzivishe, F. Muchabaiwa Gidiri, P.Nziramasanga and B. Stray-Pedersen (2017) Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy : A concept Analysis Journal of Microbiology Research and Reviews Vol 4 (1) : 1 – 5

21. Matare T., Nziramasanga P., Gwanzura L. and Robertson V. (2017) Experimental germ tube induction in Candida albicans : An evaluation of the effect of sodium bicarbonate on morphogenesis and comparison with pooled human serum. BioMedResearch International Volume 2017 (2017), Article ID 1976273: 1 –5 https/doi.org/10.1155/2017/1976273

22. Musona-Rukweza J., Gidiri Muchabaiwa F., Nziramasanga P., Stray-Pedersen Babill and Haruzivishe C. O. (2017) Isolated Bacterial Uropathogens among Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Harare, Zimbabwe Microbiology Research Journal International Vol 22 (3) : 1 – 7

23. Musona –Rukweza J., Nziramasanga P., Gidiri Muchabaiwa F., Haruzivishe C. O. and Stray-Pedersen Babil (2017) Effectiveness of Griess Nitrite Test on Screening Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy : A Cross Sectional Study in Harare, Zimbabwe Journal of Advances in Microbiology Vol 5 (2) : 1 - 9

23. Musona-Rukweza J., F. Gidiri Muchabaiwa, P. Nziramasanga, C. Haruzivishe and B. Stray-Pedersen (2017) Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Harare, Zimbabwe. Perinatal Journal Vol 25 (4) : 133 – 138

24. Musona-Rukweza J., Nziramasanga P, Muchabaiwa Gidiri F., Haruzivishe C. O and Stray-Pedersen B. (2018) Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains causing asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy : A cross-sectional study in Harare, Zimbabwe MOJ Immunology 2018, Volume 6 (1) : 00184 : page 1 - 6.

Lecturer

Dr Rachael Mandishora

 Achievements

•  Attained Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Molecular Virology, 2018.
•  Completed a UZ-PERFECT (Promoting Excellence in Research and Faculty Enhanced Career Training) fellowship 2016-2018.
• Currently a Clayton-Dedonder Fellow.

List of publications:

1. Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Kristina S Gjøtterud, Sonja Lagström, Babill Stray-Pedersen, Nyasha Chin'ombe, Kerina Duri, Mari Nygård, ​Irene Kraus Christiansen, Ole Herman Ambur, Mike Z. Chirenje,​ Trine B Rounge. Intra-host sequence variability in human papillomavirus. Papillomavirus Research, 2018 April 30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pvr.2018.04.006 

2. Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Irene K. Christiansen, Nyasha Chin’ombe, Kerina Duri, Bernard Ngara, Trine B. Rounge, Roger Meisal, Ole Herman Ambur, Joel M. Palefsky, Babill Stray-Pedersen, Zvavahera M. Chirenje. Genotypic diversity of anogenital human papillomavirus in women attending cervical cancer screening in Harare, Zimbabwe (Journal of Medical Virology, 2017 Apr 8. doi: 10.1002/jmv.24825.

3. Faustinos Tatenda Takawira, Racheal Shamiso Dube Mandishora, Zephaniah Dhlamini, Ellen Munemo, Babill Stray-Pedersen. Mutations in rpoB and katG genes of multidrug resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis undetectable using genotyping diagnostic methods. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2017;27:145. doi:10.11604/pamj.2017.27.145.10883

4.  Takudzwa Matuvhunye, Racheal S Dube-Mandishora, Nyasha, Chin’ombe, Graham Chakafana, Joshua Mbanga, Edward Zumbika, Babill Stray-Pedersen. Genotyping Human Papillomavirus in Women Attending Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic In Harare, Zimbabwe. British Microbiology Research Journal 16(6): 1-9, 2016, Article no.BMRJ.28481

5. Dube-Mandishora Racheal S, Dhlamini Zephaniah, Mutetwa Reggie, Duri Kerina, Stray-Pedersen Babill, Mason Peter. Diagnosis of multi - drug resistant Tuberculosis mutations using Hain line probe assay and GeneXpert: a study done in Zimbabwe. British journal of medicine and medical research. 2014. 5(8): 1044-1052.

Chairperson & Associate Professor

Dr Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa

DPhil. Molecular Microbiology (Norwegian Univ. of Scie & Tech, Trondheim, Norway); MSc Medical Microbiology, (UZ); (UZ); Grad CE (UZ); BSc (H) Biological Sciences

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Professor Rooyen T Mavenyengwa joined the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Medical Microbiology in January 2002 as a Lecturer from The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) where he had worked as a research assistant. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, MSc in Medical Microbiology, both from the University of Zimbabwe in addition to a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the same institution. He graduated with a DPhil from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway in 2012. Professor Mavenyengwa was promoted to Senior Lecturer Grade on 1 January 2013. He is the first African scholar to use molecular techniques to characterize Group B streptococcus (GBS) which causes infections mainly in pregnant mothers and children with a view to identifying suitable and potential vaccine candidates relevant for the local population. His pioneering work on GBS was done in collaboration with international partners from Norway, South Africa and Namibia. He has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed high impact journals and has presented his scientific research work at local, regional and international conferences and symposia across the globe. His main research highlight is the discovery of the new surface-anchored protein in GBS called the “Z” protein. He has since published a book on molecular characterization of Group B Streptococcus. His other research interests include antibiotic resistance testing, HIV and AIDS, and other viruses of public health importance, Transfusion Transmissible infections (TTIs), Cryptococccus and Tuberculosis. Professor Mavenyengwa has received other numerous academic, research and travel awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Medical Microbiology scientific research. His main area of specialization is Medical Bacteriology focusing on Streptococcology and Molecular Biology which he passionately teaches to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. He coordinates and facilitates the training of the HIV Rapid testing course in partnership with the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council (MLCSC). He also leads a vibrant team at the WHO-funded Zimbabwe National Virology Laboratory which is mandated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to carry out routine diagnostic and surveillance on Polio, Rubella, Measles and Rota viruses for Zimbabwe and Malawi. He was appointed Chairman of the Department of Medical Microbiology on 1 October 2016, the appointment which he holds to date.

List of Publications

1. Gudza-Mugabe M Mavenyengwa RT, Mapingure MP, Mtapuri-Zinyowera S, Tarupiwa A, Robertson VJ. 2017. Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens causing meningitis in children at Harare Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. Central African Journal of Medicine. 63(4/6):36-41

2. Samakande D, Mandisodza A, Chikwasha V, Mavenyengwa RT, Mavunganidze G, Parirewa J. 2017. Detection of malaria parasites in donated blood in Zimbabwe using the rapid SD Bioline test kit. IJRDO-Journal of Health Sciences and Nursing. 2(5):70-76

3. Mavenyengwa RT, Shaduka E, Maposa I. 2017. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detected using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and microscopy in Namibia. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 6:3

4. Mavenyengwa RT and Nyamayaro T. 2016. Developing a curriculum for health professional students on point of care tests for medical diagnosis. International Journal of Medical Education. 7:244-245.

5. Monyama MC, Bolukaoto JY, Chukwu MO, Maloba MRB, Moyo SR, Mavenyengwa RT*, Nchabeleng M, Lebelo SL. 2016. Group B streptococcus colonization in pregnant women at Dr. George Mukhari Hospital, South Africa. South African Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1(1): 1-5

6. Lekala SM, Mavenyengwa RT*, Bolukaoto JY, Monyama CM, Chukwu MO, Nchabeleng M, Lebelo SL, Monokoane ST, Moyo SR and Tshepuwane C. 2015. Risk factors associated with group B streptococcus colonization and effect on pregnancy outcome. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 3(6):121-128.

7. Chukwu MO, Mavenyengwa RT*, Monyama CM, Bolukaoto JY, Lebelo SL, Maloba MRB, Nchabeleng M, Moyo SR. 2015. Antigenic distribution of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from pregnant women at Garankuwa hospital – South Africa. GERMS. 5(4):125-133.

8. Niitembu JJV, Maposa I, Mavenyengwa RT*. 2015. A retrospective study of the variability in etiological agents of urinary tract infections among patients in Windhoek- Namibia. Open Journal of Microbiology. 5(4):184-192.

9. Bolukaoto JY, Monyama CM, Chukwu MO, Lekala SM, Nchabeleng M, Maloba MRB, Mavenyengwa RT*, Lebelo SL, Monokoane ST, Tshepuwane C, and Moyo SR. 2015. Antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women in Garankuwa, South Africa. BMC Research Notes. 8:364-70.

10. Gudza-Mugabe M, Robertson V, Mapingure MP, Mtapuri-Zinyowera S, Mavenyengwa RT. 2015. Bacterial paediatric meningitis laboratory diagnosis. Journal of Cell Science and Therapy. 6:204-9.

11. Makuni N, Simango C, Mavenyengwa RT*. 2015. Prevalence of bacterial contamination in blood and blood products at the National Blood Service Zimbabwe. J Infect Dev Ctries. 9(4):421-4.

12. Fillemon Haimbodi, Rooyen Mavenyengwa, Bruce H Noden. 2014. Knowledge and practices of residents in north Namibian towns with regard to rabies and pet care. South Afr J Infect. 29(4):141-146.

13. Mavenyengwa RT, Mukesi M, Chipare and Shoombe E. 2014. Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, syphilis, hepatitis B and C in blood donations in Namibia. BMC Public Health. 14:424-430.

14. Johan Maeland, Andreas Radtke, Randi Lyng, and Rooyen T Mavenyengwa. 2013. Novel aspects of the Z and R3 antigens of Streptococcus agalactiae revealed by immunological testing. Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 20(4): 607-612.

15. Augusta I. Kvam, Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Andreas Radtke, Johan A. Maeland. 2011. Streptococcus agalactiae alpha-like protein 1(Alp1) possesses both cross-reacting and Alp1-specific epitopes. Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 18(8):1365-70.

16. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Johan A. Maeland, Sylvester R. Moyo. 2010. Serotype markers in a Streptococcus agalactiae strain collection from Zimbabwe. Indian J. Med. Microbiol. 28(4):313-319.

17. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Sylvester Rogers Moyo, Svein Arne Nordbø. 2010. Streptococcus agalactiae colonization and correlation with HIV-1 and Hepatitis B seroprevalence in pregnant women in Zimbabwe. Eur. J. Obst. Gyn. Reprod. Biol.150(1):34-8.

18. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Jan Egil Afset, Berit Schei , Synnøve Berg, Tone Caspersen, Håkon Bergseng, Sylvester R. Moyo. 2010. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization during pregnancy and maternal-fetal transmission in Zimbabwe. Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. 89(2):250-5.

19. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Johan A. Maeland, Sylvester R. Moyo. 2009. Putative novel surface-exposed Streptococcus agalactiae protein frequently expressed by the group B Streptococcus from Zimbabwe. Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 16(9):1302-1308

20. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, Johan A. Maeland, Sylvester R. Moyo. 2008. Distinctive features of surface-anchored proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae strains from Zimbabwe revealed by PCR and dot blotting. Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 15(9):1420-1424.

21. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa, P Masunga, E Meque, T Kudinha, SR Moyo, L Bevanger, K Bergh, P Nziramasanga and T Mapako. 2006. Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus) colonization and persistence, in pregnancy; a comparison of two diverse communities (rural and urban). Cent. Afr. J. Med. 52(3/4):38-43.

22. Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa and P Nziramasanga. 2003. Use of culture methods for recovery of atypical mycobacteria from stools of AIDS patients. Cent. Afr. J. Med. 49(3/4):31-7.

BOOKS

Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa. Molecular, Clinical Microbiology and Diagnosis of Group B streptococcus. Lambert Academic Publishing. Saarbrücken, Germany. ISBN 978-3-659-81156-2. 88 pages. 01. 12. 2015.