Dr. Gwendoline Q Kandawasvika

Qualifications:

1. Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine, Oslo University Norway, 2015. 2. Masters in Philosophy, International Health, Oslo University, 2008. 3. Masters in Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, 2004. 4. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, University of Zimbabwe, 1995.

Academic Appointments:

1.Unit coordinator ,Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Primary Health Sciences, Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020 to date 2.Chairperson,Departmentof Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health sciences, 2018-2020

Research Interests:

Neurology, Neurodevelopment, HIV, Sickle cell disease, Non-Communicable Diseases, Medical Education Training, Climate Change, SARS CoV2.

Faculty: Medicine And Health Sciences

Department: Primary Health sciences

Research Category: Health and Medicine

Biography:

Gwendoline Kandawasvika (MD, Ph.D.), A passionate medical educator, researcher, clinician, and public health professional with knowledge, experience, and expertise in newborn, child, and adolescent health. She is the Coordinator of the Paediatrics and Child Health program in the Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, where she has taught and conducted research for the past 16 years. She is a paediatrician with research interests in, Sickle cell disease, pediatric HIV, nutrition, neurology, non-communicable diseases and climate change. She has supervised and mentored post-graduate students and researchers in conducting research and innovation. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored several book chapters. She has experience in the conduct of field studies having taken part in the SHINE (Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy) study in Zimbabwe investigating the neurodevelopmental aspects of infants.

Dr Kandawasvika is an executive member of Zimbabwe Chapter of ILAE and the Paediatric association of Zimbabwe.

Email: gwenkandawasvika@gmail.com

Phone: +263 782005127

Publications:

1. Nhamo, G., Kandawasvika, G. Q., & Sibanda, M. (2020). Non-pharmaceutical strategies win coronavirus disease 2019 battle in New Zealand. Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 12(1). PMID: 33391622; PMCID: PMC7756859

2. Shava, C. V., Bwakura, M., Kandawasvika, G., Tinago, W., Nathoo, K. J., & Bannerman, C. (2020). Pulmonary hypertension in children aged two to twenty four months hospitalised with severe pneumonia at two tertiary hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. Central African Journal of Medicine, 65(7-12), 52-56.

3. Ncube, B., Mavondo, G. A., Kandawasvika, G., & Chamisa, J. A. (2020). Elucidation of Food Security as a Determinant of Malnutrition and Stunting on Children under Five Years: A Case of Insiza District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. Asian Journal of Pediatric Research, 11-31. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajpr/2020/v3i330129

4. Ntozini, R., Chandna, J., Evans, C., Chasekwa, B., Majo, F. D., Kandawasvika, G., ... & SHINE Trial Team. (2020). Early child development in children who are HIV‐exposed uninfected compared to children who are HIV‐unexposed: observational sub‐study of a cluster‐randomized trial in rural Zimbabwe. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 23(5), e25456. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jia2.25456/

5. Chandna, J., Ntozini, R., Evans, C., Kandawasvika, G., Chasekwa, B., Majo, F. D., ... & Gladstone, M. (2020). Effects of improved complementary feeding and improved water, sanitation and hygiene on early child development among HIV-exposed children: substudy of a cluster randomised trial in rural Zimbabwe. BMJ global health, 5(1), e001718.

6. Gladstone, M. J., Chandna, J., Kandawasvika, G., Ntozini, R., Majo, F. D., Tavengwa, N. V., ... & SHINE Trial Team. (2019). Independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and improved complementary feeding on early neurodevelopment among children born to HIV-negative mothers in rural Zimbabwe: substudy of a cluster-randomized trial. PLoS medicine, 16(3), e1002766.

7. Kandawasvika, G. Q., Dingiswayo, P., Kaisi, D., & Ngara, B. (2019). Paediatric epilepsy: The status and challenges of care in Zimbabwe. Central African Journal of Medicine, 65(4-6), 40-45.

8. Nhidza, A. F., Naicker, T., Stray-Pedersen, B., Gumbo, F., Chisango, T., Kandawasvika, G,. Q,.., ... & Mduluza, T. (2018). Influence of maternal characteristics during pregnancy on the infant early life immune responses in a high HIV burdened setting in Harare, Zimbabwe. African journal of reproductive health, 22(3), 43-50.

9. Sen, A., Mahone, S., Kadzviti, T., Landman, I., Kandawasvika, G., Mataruse, A., & Ngwende, G. (2018). A neurological letter from Zimbabwe. Practical neurology, 18(3), 255-257.

10. Mba SE, Musara A, Ngwende G, Kandawasvika GQ. (2018). Rare case of Aicardi syndrome in a female African. Current Opinions in Neurological Science,2(3), 458-462.

11. Kandawasvika GQ, Pazvakavambwa IE and Rusakaniko (2016) Characterization of Cardiac Disease in Children (Aged 2 Month to 16 Years) with Congestive Heart Failure in Harare, Zimbabwe: A Cross-Sectional Study, BAOJ Pediat, 2(4), 025.
12. Kandawasvika, G., Gumbo, F. Z., & Kuona, P. (2016). HIV exposed uninfected children at school age developing country context. International Journal of Virology and AIDS, 3, 024.

13. Kandawasvika, G. Q., Mapingure, P. M., Pazvakavambwa, I. E., & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2016). Neurocognitive Consequences of HIV in Preschool age Children: A Brief Report. J HIV AIDS, 2(2).

14. Gapu, P., Bwakura-Dangarembizi, M., Kandawasvika, G., Kao, D., Bannerman, C., Hakim, J., & Matenga, J. A. (2015). Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among children presenting to two referral hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. South African Medical Journal, 105(5), 384-388.

15. Mhandire, K., Duri, K., Kandawasvika, G., Chandiwana, P., Chin'ombe, N., Kanyera, R. B., ... & Dandara, C. (2014). CCR2, CX3CR1, RANTES and SDF1 genetic polymorphisms influence HIV infection in a Zimbabwean pediatric population. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 8(10), 1313-1321.

16. Kuona, P., Kandawasvika, G., Gumbo, F., Nathoo, K., & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2014). Growth and development of the HIV exposed uninfected children below 5 years in developing countries: Focus on nutritional challenges, mortality and neurocognitive function. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 5(20), 2000. 10.4236/fns.2014.520211

17. Kuona, P., Mashavave, G., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Dzangare, J., Masanganise, M., Chandiwana, P., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2014). Serum selenium levels and nutritional status of school children from an HIV prevention programme in Zimbabwe. Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health, 2.

18. Kuona, P., Mashavave, G., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Mapingure, M. P., Masanganise, M., Chandiwanda, P., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2014). Anaemia and iron deficiency in peri-urban school children born in a National HIV Prevention Programme in Zimbabwe: A cross sectional study. Cent Afr J Med, 60(5-8,22-8. PMID: 26867252.

19. Matyanga, P. K. M. J., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Muchemwa, L. K., & Mujuru, H. A. (2013). Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in neonates admitted at a referral hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. Central African Journal of Medicine, 59(1-4), 1-5.

20. Mhandire, K., Pharo, G., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Duri, K., Swart, M., Stray-Pedersen, B., & Dandara, C. (2014). How does mother-to-child transmission of HIV differ among African populations? Lessons from MBL2 genetic variation in Zimbabweans. OMICS: a journal of integrative biology, 18(7), 454-460.

21. Kandawasvika, G. Q., Kuona, P., Chandiwana, P., Masanganise, M., Gumbo, F. Z., Mapingure, M. P., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2015). The burden and predictors of cognitive impairment among 6-to 8-year-old children infected and uninfected with HIV from Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study. Child Neuropsychology, 21(1), 106-120.

22. Kandawasvika, G. Q., Mapingure, P. M., Nhembe, M., Mtereredzi, R., & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2012). Validation of a culturally modified short form of the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities in 6 to 8 year old Zimbabwean school children: a cross section study. BMC neurology, 12(1), 1-6.

23. Gumbo, F. Z., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Kurewa, E. N., Duri, K., Chandiwana, P., Mapingure, M. P., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2013). Survival of HIV Infected Children Born to Mothers Enrolled in a PMTCT Program in a Resource Poor Setting.

24. Kandawasvika, G. Q., Ogundipe, E., Gumbo, F. Z., Kurewa, E. N., Mapingure, M. P., & Stray‐Pedersen, B. A. B. I. L. L. (2011). Neurodevelopmental impairment among infants born to mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus and uninfected mothers from three peri‐urban primary care clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53(11), 1046-1052.

25. Kurewa, E. N., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Mhlanga, F., Munjoma, M., Mapingure, M. P., Chandiwana, P., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2011). Realities and challenges of a five year follow up of mother and child pairs on a PMTCT program in Zimbabwe. The open AIDS journal, 5, 51.

26. Gumbo, F. Z., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Duri, K., Mapingure, M. P., Kurewa, N. E., Nathoo, K., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2011). Reduced HIV transmission at subsequent pregnancy in a resource-poor setting. Tropical doctor, 41(3), 132-135.

27. Pereira, L., Chipato, T., Mashu, A., Mushangwe, V., Rusakaniko, S., Bangdiwala, S. I., ... & Tolosa, J. E. (2011). Randomized study of vaginal and neonatal cleansing with 1% chlorhexidine. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 112(3), 234-238.

28. Gumbo, F. Z., Duri, K., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Kurewa, N. E., Mapingure, M. P., Munjoma, M. W., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2010). Risk factors of HIV vertical transmission in a cohort of women under a PMTCT program at three peri-urban clinics in a resource-poor setting. Journal of Perinatology, 30(11), 717-723.

29. Gumbo, F. Z., Kurewa, N. E., Kandawasvika, G. Q., Duri, K., Mapingure, M. P., Munjoma, M. W., ... & Stray-Pedersen, B. (2010). Rising mother-to-child HIV transmission in a resource-limited breastfeeding population. Tropical doctor, 40(2), 70-73.

Book Chapters
30. Kandawasvika GQ, Thabethe N, Dzangare J, Manangazira P. (2021) Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals. Cyclones in Southern Africa Vol 3:. Editor Springer, Chapter 5
31. Munjanja SP, Magure T, Kandawasvika GQ., (2011). Maternal and perinatal health in developing countries. Editor Hussaein J, Chapter 15:
32. Gumbo FZ , Kurewa EN, Kandawasvika GQ. , (2013). Mother to child Transmission of HIV infection and breastfeeding: Current knowledge and guidelines; realities, challenges and ethical dilemmas in an HIV high prevalence and resource poor area. Chapter 9, Nova Publishers:. Chapter 7
33. Bannerman C, Chimhini G, Chimhuya S, Chitsike I, Kambarami R, Kandawasvika G, Mujuru H, Nathoo K, Powell G, Stranix L, Ticklay I. Peter (2014). Illiff`s neonatal handbook, Chapter 8,2nd edition, Sable Press:
Books
34. Kandawasvika, G. Q. (2008). Neurodevelopmental outcomes at preschool age: A 5 year follow up study of a cohort born to mothers participating in the PMTCT program in Harare, Zimbabwe (Master's thesis). https://www.duo.uio.no/handle/10852/30158
35. Kandawasvika, GQ., (2015). Child neurodevelopment in a resource constrained setting Child neurodevelopment in a resource-constrained setting: an 8 year follow up of children born in a high HIV prevalence community in Zimbabwe. Dewey: 618.928, (Series of dissertations submitted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo; no. 2021) Universitetet i Oslo, 2015. ISBN 978-82-8264-940-7 (h.)

Patented Work:

Grants & Funding (current and Past projects):

1. Applied for a research grant, with the American Academy of Paediatrics March 2021, value USD 2000 – grant proposal under review.
2. Co Applied for NIH grant with NIHBHL for Sickle Cell Disease, November 2020, value USD 100 000, grant proposal under review

Awards & Achievements:

1. Promoting Excellence in Research and Faculty Enhanced Career Training (PERFECT) award by the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences sponsored by the USA NIH/Fogarty International Center for advanced junior faculty research training in the scientific area of hematology in May 2018
2. Royal College of Paediatric and Child health funded clinical observer ship March –April 2018
3. South Korea Friendship Medical partnership – travel grant to Severance Hospital, Seoul South Korea
4. NECTAR-funded research -I was granted the NECTAR award in April 2014 to further research in the area of pediatrics neurology by the University Of Zimbabwe faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and have established a paediatric neurology clinic and Red Cap data register.
5. Travel grant Beit trust – Clinical attachment in neurophysiology unit at UCT
6. Letten Foundation Scholarship funded Doctoral degree work Mar 2011 to Dec 2014
7. NORAD foundation-funded Masters in International health,Norway Aug2006- Apr 2008

Consultancy and advisory work (current and past):

World Health Organisation.

Since 2018 she have assisted World Health Organization (AFRO) with inter-country adaptation of the Nurtuting Care Frame work for Zimbabwe and am a member of the Early Childhood Development Committee.

United Nations Children Education Fund ( Unicef)

She is a member of the Global Expert Group Advisor for UNICEF on the standard setting exercise of the Early Childhood Development Index (or ECDI), developed by UNICEF within the context of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) programme, new global measure on early childhood outcomes.
Ministry of Health
She is member of the Child survival task force subcommittee and have been contributing to the revision of the national child survival strategy

Supervision information (MPhil, DPhil, etc.):

1.Dr Prisca Matyanga; The Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in neonates admitted at a Harare Hospital. I supervised her thesis, 2011
2.Dr Paradzai Gapu: Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among children presenting to two referral hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. I supervised her thesis, 2015
3.Dr Cynthia Matuku: Cardiovascular function in children aged 2 to 24 months hospitalized with severe pneumonia at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. I supervised her thesis, 2016
4.Dr Lana Austin; Clinical Profile, Intensive Care Unit Course and Outcome of Children Aged Under 12 years Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Referral Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. I supervised her thesis, 2017
5.Dr Tichasvika Mwoyofiri; Clinical profile and Outcome of Children Admitted with Acute Seizures at Parirenyatwa and Harare Tertiary Hospitals in Zimbabwe. I supervised her thesis, 2018
6.Dr Chenai Mauanze: Metabolic bone disease in children with Cerebral palsy. I am supervising her thesis, 2021
7.Sangeeta Nathoo: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Health Professionals, Patients and Policy Makers Towards Medical Use of Phytocannabinoids in Zimbabwe. I am supervising her thesis,2021
8.Dr Melania Mahumani: Factors affecting antibiotic prescribing in children under 5 years at a local clinic in Harare. I am supervising her thesis, 2021
9.Dr Kudzayi Njikizani. Feasibility of Implementation of single birth dose Hepatitis B vaccine in a primary health centre. I am Supervising her thesis, 2021.

Professional membership, Committees, Boards:

Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe
Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe
International League against epilepsy, Zimbabwe Chapter
American Academy of Neurology