Sandra is a public health and policy expert currently working at the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Zimbabwe where she supports the organisation’s HIV Prevention Programme and multi-disease diagnostics work. Alongside her role, she also runs a small education programme supporting students at universities across Zimbabwe.

Name: Sandra Tafadzwa Garwe

Degree course: MSc Global Health Policy

Year of graduation: 2019

At the moment

What is your current role, and how did you get there?

I am currently an Analyst at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Zimbabwe, supporting their HIV Prevention Programme and also some exploratory work around multi-disease diagnostics.

Within the HIV Prevention Programme, I work closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) to design and implement evidence-based policies and strategies that strengthen health systems and ensure sustainable access to essential HIV services, including prevention, testing, and treatment. This work is multi-faceted, focusing on reaching the right clients, enhancing programme efficiency and sustainability, and building the capacity of the MoHCC to deliver high-quality, data-driven HIV services.

In my work on multi-disease diagnostics, I am conducting research to build Zimbabwe’s readiness for the introduction of new diagnostic products and to enhance diagnostic services for priority diseases. At CHAI, I have also supported several other workstreams, including scoping work for the potential introduction of ferric carboxymaltose* in Zimbabwe, and leading a Landscape Assessment of Assistive Technologies, which informed the development of the National Assistive Technology Strategy (2024–2025).

My journey with CHAI began in 2021, when I joined as a volunteer under the Sustainable Health Financing Programme. That experience gave me valuable insights into how data-driven policy and financing reforms can improve health outcomes and increased my interest in programmatic work that directly impacts populations at risk. Building on that foundation, I transitioned to the HIV Prevention Programme, where I continue to bridge technical, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills to drive health innovation and policy reform.

What inspired your interest in this field?

My interest in public health and policy stems from a deep commitment to improving the lives of women and children. As a feminist with a background in nutrition, I began my career working closely with communities, where I witnessed first-hand how unequal access to health services limits people’s potential to thrive. These experiences taught me that while community-based interventions are transformative at the individual level, sustainable change requires addressing systemic barriers through policy and structural reform.

This realisation motivated me to shift my focus toward public health policy, where I could contribute to designing programmes that deliver sustainable and equitable impact. Transitioning from a science background into the social sciences was both challenging and rewarding. It demanded that I learn new ways of thinking, writing, and analysing complex systems. Through persistence, I strengthened my critical thinking, research, and communication skills and developed the agility to work effectively across diverse health programmes.

Career journey

What were some key milestones in your career journey?

2015 – August: I worked for World Vision Zimbabwe, starting as a Graduate Intern and progressing to Nutrition Officer. I supported community programmes focused on reducing malnutrition in Zimbabwe’s dry regions through nutrition screening, training on infant and young child feeding, food value addition, and market linkages that improved household income and food security.

2018 – 2019: I pursued my master’s degree in Global Health Policy at the University of Edinburgh. This period marked a transition from fieldwork to policy studies. I also worked briefly for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and contributed to the launch of the Ekasi Podcast, which is still running to date.

2020: I joined the Social Innovation and Inquiry Institute (SIVIO), a local think tank exploring inclusive development in Zimbabwe. This role marked my entry into the policy space, where I led a policy and advocacy initiative and contributed to COVID-19 philanthropy research, broadening my understanding of governance and systemic change.

2021: I worked with the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, where I contributed to a review of national antimicrobial stewardship activities across eight African countries. My role involved analysing existing national frameworks, identifying implementation gaps, and developing adaptable, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs in these countries.

2021 – date: I joined CHAI and has worked across multiple programmes, including health financing, community health, HIV prevention, assistive technologies and multi-disease diagnostics.

How did your time at the University shape your professional path?

Studying at the University of Edinburgh was a deeply transformative period for me that was shaped by both the academic environment and my experience as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. The University’s learning approach (seminars and blogs) challenged me to develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which have become central to my work in health policy and programme implementation. I also appreciated the University’s cultural diversity. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds broadened my perspective and strengthened my understanding of different experiences. I now have a global network of like-minded colleagues I can easily reach out to for idea exchange or to learn new concepts.

The work-based placement that you do in your second semester was particularly valuable, allowing me to translate theoretical knowledge into practical experience and understand how global health policies are implemented in real-world contexts. That was the first time I really appreciated the career shift I was making.

Beyond academics, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which funded my studies, emphasised transformative leadership, encouraging us to lead with purpose, empathy, and innovation. This exposure inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, engage confidently in various projects, and approach challenges with agility and curiosity. I am eternally grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity that was presented to me and currently, I also support other students to apply for such opportunities.

Can you share a standout achievement or moment you’re proud of?

I cannot really point at one achievement that stands out, but at CHAI, I have contributed to significant policy-related work here in Zimbabwe across multiple workstreams.

However, I can spotlight the following:

• Contributed to a Landscape Assessment of Assistive Technologies in Zimbabwe, which informed the National Assistive Technology Strategy (2024–2025) and led to the establishment of the National Assistive Technology Technical Working Group.
• Supported the development of an HIV minimum service package following the withdrawal of U.S. government funding, ensuring continuity of high-quality HIV service delivery.
• Developed guidance on linkage to HIV prevention services, shifting focus from solely identifying HIV-positive clients to also identifying high-risk HIV-negative individuals and recommending appropriate prevention interventions.
• Designed and implemented a cost-savings analysis tool for Ministries of Health to identify cost efficiencies across the HIV testing continuum, including the selection of affordable test kits.

Outside my professional work, I run a small scholars programme supporting 15 students at universities across Zimbabwe. Over the past three years, we have celebrated five graduations, with eight more set for 2026. I also guide students applying for international scholarships, refining their essays to increase their chances. I have lost count of those I have helped, but it fuels my commitment to expanding access to quality education in my country.

Industry insights

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in your field right now?

Global health is facing sustainability challenges, particularly in the wake of funding reductions from major donors such as the U.S. government and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). These cuts have placed pressure on countries to mobilise domestic resources and sustain essential HIV programmes without compromising quality of care. While this presents a significant challenge, it also offers an opportunity to strengthen national ownership, build resilient health systems, and explore innovative financing and integration models for long-term sustainability.

What trends or innovations are shaping the future of your industry?

I think two key trends are shaping the future of global health: artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing emphasis on self-care. AI is revolutionising health systems by improving data analysis, disease surveillance, and diagnostic accuracy, enabling faster and more efficient decision-making. Meanwhile, self-care approaches, such as HIV self-testing and digital health tools, are empowering individuals to take charge of their own health. Together, these innovations promote accessibility, personalisation, and sustainability in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings like Zimbabwe.

Alumni wisdom

What do you wish you had known at the start of your career?

I never anticipated how much travel would be involved in this line of work. It’s not always glamorous, being constantly on the move can be challenging and often means spending long periods away from family. I also had not anticipated how often I would encounter poverty, loss, and difficult realities in the field. These experiences are humbling but require strong mental resilience and empathy to stay grounded and continue working toward meaningful change.

What advice would you give to students or alumni looking to enter your field?

Public and global health are dynamic fields that evolve rapidly with new trends, policies, and research. To thrive, you need to stay informed, read widely, and remain curious. It’s a space that encourages continuous learning across multiple disease areas and disciplines, making it ideal for those who enjoy variety and problem-solving. Be open to learning, adaptable in your approach, and proactive in building networks and practical experience. Strong emphasis on the networking because you really go far because of who you know. Those qualities will set you apart.

Are there any books, podcasts, or resources that have influenced you?

Books: We should all be feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The book offers a modern definition of feminism, affirming the movement’s vital role in a society where the term “feminist” was increasingly viewed as an insult.

Podcasts: Ladies we need to talk Hosted by Yumi Stynes. This is a bold women-led podcast that tackles the uncomfortable topics women often avoid. Yumi dives candidly into issues like sex, abortion, and choosing to be childless, sparking honest conversations for women, by women.

More

🔗 Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Zimbabwe (external)

* Ferric carboxymaltose is an intravenous (IV) iron replacement product used to treat iron deficiency anemia.

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