August 23rd, 2020, 16:00–17:00 hours CAT

BLN Virtual Panel Discussion on Immunization Service Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons and Post-pandemic Recovery Strategies from a Sub-national Perspective

The BID Learning Network (BLN) is hosting a webinar called “Immunization Service Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons and Post-Pandemic Recovery Strategies from a Sub-national Perspective.”

PRESENTERS

Dr. Portia Manangazira, Zimbabwe 

Dr. Portia Manangazira has extensive experience with the coordination and management of communicable and non-communicable disease prevention and control programs. She has served the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) in Zimbabwe since 1996, where she is currently the director of epidemiology and disease control. Her responsibilities span the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health promotion, and health information. She is responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of public health programs as well as the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health information, disease prevention and control. She’s also responsible for emergency preparedness and response (EPR) policies and strategies. During her career, Dr. Manangazira has made significant contributions to science through research and has published numerous articles. Additionally, she has led and coordinated various national population-based and communicable disease surveys. This includes the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey between 2005-2006, 2010-2011, and 2015-2016, as well as coverage surveys on measles, HPV and EPI, among others. Dr. Manangazira holds a medical degree in medicine and surgery, an MBA in general business administration, and a master’s in public health.

Dr. Afua Asante Twumasi, Ghana

Dr Afua Asante is a public health specialist with 20 years of experience in both clinical and public health and is currently director of health services at Krowro Municipality, a position she has held since September 2019. Between 2012 and 2019, Dr. Asante previously worked in the same capacity at Ga Central Municipality, Osu Klottey Sub-Metro, and Shai Osudoku District. She is also the coordinator for the Pregnancy School in the greater Accra Region. She also served as medical officer in charge of the Madina Poly Clinic. She worked at Ridge Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Accra. She has led and been part of a number of research studies on family planning, maternal and child health and malaria. Dr. Asante is also a regional quality improvement trainer for the greater Accra Region. Dr. Asante holds a membership in public health. She also holds a master’s in public health from the University of Ghana and a BSc. in human biology/MB ChB in medicine and surgery from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Mr. Kelvin Mupemo, Zambia

Kelvin is a health information specialist with more than eight years of work experience in the Zambian health sector. He is currently working with the Zambia Ministry of Health at Kalomo District where he is a district health information officer. His responsibilities include managing the district health information system and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of health activities, such as immunization services and technical support to health facility staff. Kevin is a focal point person for the Zambia Electronic Immunization Record System (ZEIR) in the district, a program that he considers to be very important to increase immunization coverage in the area. Kelvin holds a double major BA degree in public administration and library and information studies from the University of Zambia, a diploma in M&E from University of Zambia, an advanced diploma in management and leadership from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). He is currently a candidate for a master’s degree program in peace and conflict studies at the Copperbelt University in Zambia.