Malizgani Mhango
Canberra,Australia
Summary
Experienced public health research professional with 12+ years in medical laboratory sciences, health programming, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments, epidemiology, and academic writing. Skilled in data analysis using Stata and R. Seeking opportunities to contribute to impactful epidemiological research, evaluation, and public health initiatives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Health Officer/Master of Applied Epidemiology Scholar
ACT Health Preparedness, Planning and Surveillance & Australian National University
Canberra, Australia
02.2023 - Current
- Led scientific analyses and authored reports for regular publications and peer-reviewed journals, contributing to public health knowledge and informing policy decisions
- Conducted a mixed methods study for evaluating a surveillance system for enhanced data collection on Neisseria gonorrhoea, improving data accuracy and resource allocation
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews (scoping reviews, rapid reviews, systematic reviews), co-authored grant proposals and applications, including ethical approvals, and presented research at scientific conferences and public health forums
- Managed complex and sensitive data requests, ensuring confidentiality and compliance while delivering high-quality statistical analyses
- Directed the technical and analytical aspects of epidemiological evaluations, advising on study design, developing study protocols, and questionnaire design
- Identified critical research questions, managed research projects from conception to completion, and translated findings into actionable public health strategies
- Conducted infectious disease follow-ups, enhanced surveillance, and rapid response to outbreaks, improving public health safety and containment measures
- Investigated local transmission dynamics of Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae at a tertiary hospital, identifying critical control points to reduce infection rates and enacting infection and prevention control measures
- Conducted the descriptive epidemiology of COVID-19 and the descriptive features of the different waves of COVID-19 variants in the ACT
- Conceptualised a study to link Neisseria gonorrhoea epidemiology with whole genome sequencing data in the ACT, enhancing understanding of transmission pathways and informing targeted interventions
- Validated the efficacy of Flu Tracking by correlating influenza laboratory notifications with syndromic notifications for influenza-like illness, leading to more accurate monitoring and response strategies for influenza-like illness in the ACT.
Medical Technical Officer
New South Wales Pathology, Dubbo Base Hospital
Dubbo, Australia
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of clinical samples using manual and automated analysers across Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Transfusion Science, Microbiology, and Serology to support accurate diagnosis and surveillance of infectious diseases
- Provided critical microbiological evidence to inform and support outbreak investigations, infection prevention, and control measures
- Ensured the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment through daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance routines
- Collaborated with service engineers and application specialists to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with analysers and point-of-care equipment
- Effectively communicated critical results and findings to doctors and other healthcare professionals, facilitating timely infectious disease follow-ups and outbreak responses
- Utilised advanced data analysis techniques to interpret laboratory results, contributing to public health surveillance systems and informing epidemiological reports
- Worked within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate infection prevention and control efforts, demonstrating strong collaboration skills with various stakeholders.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
IQARUS Global Health Services, European Union Training Mission in Somalia
Somalia, Somalia
06.2019 - 11.2021
- Conducted detailed analyses of samples using manual and automated analysers in Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Transfusion Science, and Serology to provide accurate and timely diagnostic information
- Part of a specialised medical team providing critical pathology testing and medical services to conflict casualties in a complex and demanding war setting
- Conducted daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of analysers and point-of-care equipment
- Collaborated with service engineers and application specialists to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with laboratory equipment
- Effectively communicated critical test results to doctors and other clinicians, ensuring prompt and appropriate medical responses
- Managed laboratory inventory and stock, ensuring the availability of necessary supplies and reagents to maintain uninterrupted laboratory operations
- Worked closely with a diverse team of healthcare professionals and military personnel, adapting to the unique challenges of a humanitarian and conflict setting.
Senior Medical Technologist
Biotech Pathology Medical Laboratories
Namibia, Namibia
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Established, implemented, and maintained QMS processes, proactively identifying and addressing deviations to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to ISO 15189:2022 standards
- Regularly reported QMS performance metrics to top management, highlighting improvement needs and ensuring sustained high-quality outcomes
- Ensured the laboratory was equipped with the resources to deliver high-quality results, managing inventory and procurement effectively
- Conducted comprehensive internal audits to monitor QMS efficacy, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing corrective actions
- Led staff orientation, training, and competency assessments, fostering a culture of safety and continuous professional development
- Ensured full compliance with ISO 15189, maintaining documentation and records accurately
- Supervised bench-level work, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and high standards of practice
- Conducted internal quality control on External Quality Assessment (EQA) samples, ensuring accurate data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and performing statistical analysis to identify and address poor performance
- Evaluated new reagents, kits, and methods, ensuring their efficacy and reliability in laboratory processes
- Investigated non-conforming work and participant complaints, determining corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
Regional Supervisor and Laboratory Specialist
Namibia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Survey
Namibia, Namibia
03.2017 - 02.2018
- Coordinated laboratory and field activities in this multistakeholder survey in a PEPFAR-funded project that was implemented by 4 Organisations (CDC, NIP, ICAP, UCSF) and the Namibian Ministry of Health
- Led and coordinated day-to-day activities and field operations, effectively managing a team of 12 laboratory personnel and seven field teams, with 63 members
- Strategically planned, organised, and supervised the establishment of six satellite laboratories and operated three mobile laboratories across three Namibian regions, achieving survey goals and objectives on schedule
- Oversaw the successful implementation of HIV Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) and CD4 testing in the field, ensuring accurate and timely administration of health-seeking behaviour questionnaires
- Ensured the seamless linkage of HIV-positive clients to care and treatment, enhancing patient outcomes and continuity of care
- Managed the Biobank of dried blood spots and plasma aliquots, ensuring efficient transportation from field laboratories to the central laboratory using Diagnostic Network Optimisation Processes
- Conducted comprehensive data cleaning for the entire survey, ensuring data integrity and reliability, and performed HIV Recency testing to support accurate public health assessments
- Monitored staff and resource utilisation, making strategic adjustments to optimise laboratory operations and meet survey objectives
- Maintained clear and effective communication with Principal Investigators, Project Directors, staff, and administration, fostering collaboration with other stakeholders
- Supervised and coordinated research activities to ensure that the project team members carried out their duties according to the standards set in the research proposal and operated within the set timelines.
Laboratory Specialist
Population Services International Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
01.2016 - 02.2017
- Led a team of enumerators in data collection using cross-sectional surveys before and after the implementation of a program that engaged young and adolescent girls in the Dreams Project and commercial sex workers in the PrEP project at the community level in Zimbabwe
- Provided reports on the field activities for feedback with the Head Office during data collection fieldwork
- Supervised and coordinated research activities to ensure that the project team members carried out their duties according to the standards set in the research proposal and operated within the set timelines
- Directed diagnostic testing for HIV, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases, collaborating with stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and implementing partners to ensure high-quality testing, accurate result reporting, and effective utilisation in public health settings
- Spearheaded HIV testing services, including index case testing, HIV self-testing and contact tracing, to support the 95-95-95 UNAIDS Strategy, significantly increasing the identification and treatment of HIV-positive individuals
- Monitored resource utilisation, recommending and implementing adjustments that enhanced laboratory efficiency and met organisational goals
- Maintained clear and effective communication with physicians, staff, and administration, fostering collaboration with doctors, hospitals, and other stakeholders to improve patient care and performance activities
- Led implementing, monitoring, and evaluating performance improvement initiatives and external quality Assessment (EQA) activities, driving continuous quality enhancement
- Enforced safety procedures rigorously, consulting with laboratory superiors to address and resolve any challenges or needs, thereby maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment.
Laboratory Branch Manager
Caprivi Pathology Centre Laboratories
Namibia, Namibia
08.2013 - 12.2015
- Led and directed the laboratory's day-to-day activities by ensuring that processes of the laboratory quality management systems were established, implemented, and maintained, as well as continuously improved by identifying the departures and initiating corrective actions to prevent or minimise such departures
- Train work health and safety staff and ensure that safety practices are carried out correctly daily
- Monitor staff and resource utilisation on an ongoing basis and recommend adjustments in staffing to facilitate the achievement of the laboratory's goals and objectives.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Lancet Pathologists Laboratories Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Application of well-developed multi-specialty scientific judgments in Hematology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology, and Histology departments
- Provision of scientific advice to laboratory staff and clients on various disease testing, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring issues.
Education
Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology - Field Epidemiology
Australian National University
Australia12-2024
Master of Public Health - Public Health
University of Western Cape
South Africa12-2023
Master of Philosophy - HIV and AIDS Management
University of Stellenbosch
South Africa03-2021
Postgraduate Diploma - HIV And AIDS Management
University of Stellenbosch
South Africa03-2019
Bachelor of Science Honours - Medical Laboratory Sciences
University of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe07-2011
Skills
- Evidence review and synthesis
- Study Protocol Development
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research
- Diseases Surveillance
- Public Health Research
- Epidemiology
- Emergency Response & Preparedness
- Commissioning and Supplier Management
- Research
- International Humanitarian Assistance
- Grant Writing
- Report Writing
- Stata
- R statistical package
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Program Design
- Program
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Public Health Programming
- Project Management
- MS-Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Infectious disease control
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Data collection and analysis
Timeline
Public Health Officer/Master of Applied Epidemiology Scholar
ACT Health Preparedness, Planning and Surveillance & Australian National University
02.2023 - Current
Medical Technical Officer
New South Wales Pathology, Dubbo Base Hospital
02.2022 - 01.2023
Medical Laboratory Scientist
IQARUS Global Health Services, European Union Training Mission in Somalia
06.2019 - 11.2021
Senior Medical Technologist
Biotech Pathology Medical Laboratories
03.2018 - 05.2019
Regional Supervisor and Laboratory Specialist
Namibia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Survey
03.2017 - 02.2018
Laboratory Specialist
Population Services International Zimbabwe
01.2016 - 02.2017
Laboratory Branch Manager
Caprivi Pathology Centre Laboratories
08.2013 - 12.2015
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Lancet Pathologists Laboratories Zimbabwe
09.2011 - 08.2013
Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology - Field Epidemiology
Australian National University
Master of Public Health - Public Health
University of Western Cape
Master of Philosophy - HIV and AIDS Management
University of Stellenbosch
Postgraduate Diploma - HIV And AIDS Management
University of Stellenbosch
Bachelor of Science Honours - Medical Laboratory Sciences
University of Zimbabwe
Shortcourses
- Introduction to Grant Writing Bio Ventures for Global Health, 2024
- Orientation to International Outbreak Response with Global Outbreak Response Network, WHO, 2023
- Outbreak Investigation, University of Tasmania, 2023
- Qualitative Research Methods in Infectious Diseases Research McGill University Summer School, 2021
- Strategies to End the HIV Epidemic McGill University Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases, 2021
- Global Health Diagnostics McGill University Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases, 2021
Orcid
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5829-5388
Publications
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5829-5388
References
- Timothy Sloan-Gardner (Epidemiologist), Surveillance Director (Field Placement Supervisor), Timothy.Sloan-Gardner@act.gov.au, 0438881143
- Callum Thirkell (Epidemiologist), Australia National University (Academic Supervisor), callum@thirkell.co.nz, +64272334835
- Alexandra Marmor (Epidemiologist), Surveillance Coordinator, Alexandra.Marmor@act.gov.au
Shortcourses
- Introduction to Grant Writing Bio Ventures for Global Health, 2024
- Orientation to International Outbreak Response with Global Outbreak Response Network, WHO, 2023
- Outbreak Investigation, University of Tasmania, 2023
- Qualitative Research Methods in Infectious Diseases Research McGill University Summer School, 2021
- Strategies to End the HIV Epidemic McGill University Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases, 2021
- Global Health Diagnostics McGill University Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases, 2021
Orcid
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5829-5388
Publications
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5829-5388
References
- Timothy Sloan-Gardner (Epidemiologist), Surveillance Director (Field Placement Supervisor), Timothy.Sloan-Gardner@act.gov.au, 0438881143
- Callum Thirkell (Epidemiologist), Australia National University (Academic Supervisor), callum@thirkell.co.nz, +64272334835
- Alexandra Marmor (Epidemiologist), Surveillance Coordinator, Alexandra.Marmor@act.gov.au
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