Siphamandla Gumede

Siphamandla is a Technical Specialist for the OPTIMIZE project at the University of Witwatersrand Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI). He has a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Clinical Medicine (Child Health) and started his professional career in 2008 at Wits RHI as a data manager. He is currently a Technical Specialist position with knowledge in health programmes, data management and operational research. He measures health programmes performance, provide statistical analyses and evidence based recommendations and decisions through programme assessments, evaluations and operational research. His research interests include models and experiences on transition of care or changes in treatment care, maternal and child health within public health setting. His current PhD project is aimed at describing transition of care within public health settings in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the scope of his work, he has successfully supported implementation of South African ART M&E system (TIER.Net) in Johannesburg region F and North West Province. In addition, he has collaborated with other researchers, and produced peer-reviewed publications. As a result of these previous experiences, he is aware of the importance of frequent communication, team work, project coordination and research development.