Varaidzo Joyline Mukwekwe is a universal health coverage implementation researcher with keen interests in antimicrobial stewardship, health systems strengthening, and food security. Her background in biotechnology and public health ignited her passion to participate in translational research, where challenges are viewed as opportunities to pave the way for solutions. She is currently pursuing an MSc in epidemiology of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the University of Glasgow to sharpen her technical oversight in early warning system design and health technology for integrated disease surveillance and response.
Her interest in data science for One Health has been fueled by the missed opportunities for enhanced biosecurity and equitable health service delivery created by data paucity, exacerbated by fragmented health systems amid growing threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change, and conflict, which she witnesses during community vulnerability assessments. She is disheartened by the triple burden of disease, overdependence on empirical prescriptions in antibiotics, analgesics, corticosteroids, and antihistamine tablets, often leading to misdiagnosis of polysensitised patients with rare conditions or subclinical comorbidities.
Varaidzo regards the HDR UK internship offer and placement at LifeArc as a perfect complement to her career path, offering valuable experience in mainstreaming the crucial role of life sciences in pandemic preparedness for sustainable development. She is eager to learn in environments dedicated to fostering collaboration of cross-functional teams handling and analysing large datasets to inform evidence-based interventions of Global health importance.
