Admire Chikandiwa

He has worked in the field of sexual and reproductive health since 2006, as a clinician and epidemiologist. He has been extensively involved in the implementation of HIV prevention research in the Southern African setting. Over the years, he has gained theoretical and practical experience working as a lead researcher in a wide array of study designs, ranging from clinical observational studies and trials to randomized controlled trials and impact evaluation studies. He has a particular research interest in the interactions between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and has worked extensively on exploring the impact of HIV/AIDS and ART on the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among women and men. He is also involved in several studies investigating new methods for screening and prevention of HPV in HIV-positive individuals. Currently, he is part of a team investigating the association between injectable contraceptive use and HIV/STI acquisition. He is also working on a number of studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of rolling out PrEP to adolescent girls and young women. He has lectured and supervised students in his area of expertise. He has served as a member of the expert writing team for the Cervical Cancer Control Policy at the request of the South African National Department of Health. He was part of a team of researchers who conducted the evaluation of the first-round HPV vaccination programme in South Africa. Currently, he is part of the expert writing team that is drafting the South African National Strategic Plan for the control of STIs.