Prisca Hove Chikwanda
Harare
Summary
Accomplished senior-level public health laboratory expert with extensive experience in complex program management, laboratory system strengthening, and infectious disease diagnostics. Demonstrated leadership in implementing national and global health programs, supported by expertise in policy development, workforce enhancement, and capacity-building initiatives. Proficient in managing multi-million-dollar programs under PEPFAR, GFATM, and the Global Health Initiative, while fostering collaboration with government agencies and international organizations to strengthen health worker capacity and improve pandemic preparedness and response. Strong capabilities in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance drive a commitment to advancing diagnostic systems and networks to enhance public health outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Branch Chief- Laboratory Medicine
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
05.2018 - Current
- Provided leadership for national laboratory programs, overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, and workforce development.
- Led the business development including resource mapping, advocacy and allocation including informing country priorities and program direction in HIV, TB, Malaria and STI programs.
- Provided leadership and guidance in the identification, selection, planning, quantification of Health commodities as well monitoring supplier performance and market shaping for various diagnostic technologies.
- Advised ministries of health and GFATM, UN and other global partners on laboratory policies, quality assurance, capacity-building strategies and leadership and governance.
- Managed projects supporting diagnostic laboratory networks, ensuring efficient sample transportation, LIMS integration, and high-quality services.
- Led the implementation of ISO 15189, 17025, 17043 accreditation and certification programs, improving laboratory performance and compliance.
- Built capacity for laboratory professionals in diagnostics, biosafety, and molecular testing.
- Advised agency officials, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health, and global partners on laboratory program planning and implementation.
- Led strategic development, monitoring, and evaluation of laboratory activities under PEPFAR and the Global Health Initiative.
- Supervised a team managing multiple cooperative agreements, contracts, projects and portfolios, overseeing grants and contracts.
- Spearheaded national policy initiatives impacting laboratory services and public health strategies.
- Represented HHS/CDC at national and international forums on laboratory strategy and policy.
- Supported the establishment of a genomic surveillance program to address emerging public health threats.
- Key Achievements
- Led the COVID-19 laboratory response as Laboratory Pillar Co-Chair.
- Advocated and secured increased funding for Zimbabwe’s laboratory programs for three consecutive years.
- Expanded ISO 15189-accredited laboratories in Zimbabwe from a few to 15 through targeted support and partnerships.
- Established a National Integrated Sample Transportation System covering the entire country.
- Developed a national quality assurance unit and structured national reference laboratories for HIV and TB.
- Led the introduction of a national Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for improved data management.
- Implemented the first large-scale Clinic-Laboratory Interface program in over 500 healthcare facilities.
- Created a National Biorepository to support disease surveillance and research.
Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor
American Society for Microbiology
04.2014 - 03.2018
- Strengthened the national microbiology laboratory network and quality management systems (QMS).
- Enhanced diagnostic capacity for TB, HIV, STIs, malaria, and other infections.
- Provided on-site mentorship in technical skills, specimen referral systems, and quality assurance.
- Led training initiatives, facilitated laboratory start-up projects, and supported procurement of lab equipment.
- Developed microbiology policies and established a national microbiology technical working group.
- Ensured the establishment of a Bio-Resource Centre to support laboratory research and diagnostics.
- Key Achievements
- Expanded and strengthened Zambia’s national microbiology laboratory network.
- Established GeneXpert MTB/Rif testing in multiple facilities, improving TB diagnosis.
- Developed TB diagnostic algorithms and laboratory reporting tools.
- Trained and mentored laboratory staff, enhancing capacity for infectious disease diagnostics.
- Improved quality assurance and data management systems across multiple laboratories.
TB Laboratory Expert
Foundation from Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND)
06.2012 - 11.2013
- Led the implementation of WHO policies for TB diagnosis and testing algorithms.
- Established GeneXpert testing in 14 facilities across eSwatini and Lesotho.
- Trained laboratory personnel and clinicians in new TB diagnostic technologies.
- Developed TB diagnostic algorithms and adapted recording/reporting tools for new tests.
- Strengthened laboratory management structures, ensuring adherence to SOPs and biosafety standards.
- Supported the roll-out of the GLI Stepwise Process Towards TB Laboratory Accreditation.
- Advocated for sustainable support for TB laboratory activities and mentored staff on laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Project Manager/National TB Laboratory Services Advisor
University Research Co. LLC (URL)
10.2009 - 05.2012
- Led a team of 25 in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating TB and HIV laboratory diagnostic programs.
- Developed three Country Operational Plans (COPs), implementation strategies, budgets, and monitoring frameworks.
- Provided technical and administrative leadership, including performance evaluations for project staff.
- Trained and mentored National Clinical Laboratory Services (NCLS) staff on Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA).
- Designed and implemented quality improvement (QI) projects, developing performance indicators and evaluation tools.
- Provided technical assistance for TB and HIV clinical laboratory programs, including drafting strategic documents and training manuals.
- Led stakeholder coordination efforts, serving as the secretariat for the TB Technical Working Group.
- Advised on laboratory equipment use, maintenance, and quality management system implementation.
- Assisted the Ministry of Health in laboratory data collection, reporting, and evaluation strategies for capacity building.
- Acting Country Director (Additional Role)
- Provided overall oversight for the country office’s daily operations.
- Managed financial planning and resource allocation.
- Key Achievements
- Secured Global Fund Round 10 grant approval for NCLS and the National TB Program (NTP).
- Trained over 200 healthcare professionals in TB and HIV diagnostics, including smear microscopy, rapid HIV testing, and MDR TB management.
- Introduced fluorescence microscopy and AFB smear microscopy concentration methods.
- Coordinated the renovation of the national TB reference laboratory to biosafety level III.
- Established a national External Quality Assessment (EQA) program for AFB smear microscopy, incorporating Slide2check software for blinded rechecking.
Education
Master’s - Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics
Pompeo Fabra University- Barcelona School of Management
Spain12-2026
Project Management Professional Certification - Project Management
Project Management Institute
Spain10-2025
Master’s of Science - Microbiological Pathology
University of Limpopo, MEDUNSA Campus
South Africa01.2009
Honors Degree - Medical Laboratory Sciences
University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences
Zimababwe07.2003
Skills
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Public Health Policy, Advisory & Program Implementation (PEPFAR, Global Fund, UNITAID)
- Complex Program Management, Strategic Planning & Oversight
- Stakeholder Engagement & Government Relations
- Budgeting, Grant Proposal Development & Fiscal Leadership
- Workforce Development, Training & Capacity Building
- Research, Academic Contributions & Scientific Leadership
- Supply chain and new product introduction
- Multi disease Diagnostics, Genomic Surveillance & Bioinformatics
- Certified SLIPTA auditor and experienced in laboratory quality improvement processes
- PMI project management professional including Agile approaches
- Experienced in grant writing and funding acquisition (PEPFAR, Global Fund)
- Experienced in global health security initiatives, pandemic response, and genomic surveillance
- Strong background in laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Proficient in data visualization and bioinformatics for genomic sequencing
- Knowledgeable in establishing data repositories
- Frequent speaker at international conferences and expert panels (IAS, ASLM, IUATLD)
- Innovation management
- Strong team-builder
- Excellent time management skills
- Verbal/written communication
- Interviewing and hiring
- Attention to detail
- Branch operations management
- Proficient in MS office
- Decision-making
Affiliations
- Project Management Institute
Certification
Project Management for Professionals (PMP): Pearson Management Institute 2025-2028
LANGUAGES & TECHNICAL SKILLS
English – Fluent in Written and Spoken
French – Novice in Written and Spoken
References
- Michael, Melchior, CDC-Haiti Country Director, XLP3@cdc.gov, +1 4046395238
- Kae, Ross, CDC-Zimbabwe Deputy Country Director, Knr6@cdc.gov, +263 772470054
Languages And Technical Skills
- English, Fluent in Written and Spoken
- French, Novice in Written and Spoken
Publications
- CDC Laboratory Advisors workshop, 2023-07-03
- U.S. CDC Global Health Biennial meeting, 2023-07-03
- Presentations at the Global Health Centre Laboratory workshop, 2023-07-11
- Reverse International Tour of Duty to the U.S. CDC International Laboratory Branch Atlanta Georgia, USA, 2022-01-01
- 24th International AIDS Society Conference, 2022-01-01
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), 2018-01-01
- World Union Conference (IUATLD), 2010-01-01
- HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) Annual General Meeting, 2006-02-18
Timeline
Branch Chief- Laboratory Medicine
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
05.2018 - Current
Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor
American Society for Microbiology
04.2014 - 03.2018
TB Laboratory Expert
Foundation from Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND)
06.2012 - 11.2013
Project Manager/National TB Laboratory Services Advisor
University Research Co. LLC (URL)
10.2009 - 05.2012
Master’s of Science - Microbiological Pathology
University of Limpopo, MEDUNSA Campus
Master’s - Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics
Pompeo Fabra University- Barcelona School of Management
Project Management Professional Certification - Project Management
Project Management Institute
Honors Degree - Medical Laboratory Sciences
University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences