On 15 November, Tapfumanei Mashe, WHO AMR MPTF Coordinator in Zimbabwe, received two distinguished honors at the African Health Excellence Awards held at Capital Hotel, Zimbali in Durban, South Africa. The “Night of the Health Stars” is a premier celebration dedicated to honoring Africa’s outstanding healthcare professionals, organizations, and innovators who continue to transform lives and strengthen health systems across the continent.
Dr Mashe was awarded the Community Builder of the Year for his leadership in strengthening a One Health community across Zimbabwe, and named Honorary Health Researcher of the Year 2025 for his contributions to advancing public health research in Africa.
“These awards are not just personal milestones—they are a testament to the power of collaboration, shared vision, and the unwavering support of colleagues, partners, and communities,” he shared upon accepting the honors.
Advancing AMR action through collaboration
As WHO AMR Project Coordinator, Dr Mashe has worked closely with colleagues from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to advance multisectoral interventions under a grant from the United National AMR Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). Together with government agencies, the collective efforts achieved:
- Revival of domestic production of the Theileria vaccine in partnership with the Division of Veterinary Services
- Strengthening of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe to conduct surveillance of falsified and substandard medicines
- Evidence generation on the impact of TCV introduction alongside Harare City Health Department.
- Complementary support from the UK Fleming Fund for procurement of laboratory reagents and materials for AMR testing
Working across human, animal, and environmental sectors is complex. Dr Mashe emphasized that deliberate strategies are needed to foster trust, shared goals, and practical collaboration. He noted that involving local communities is essential:
“Involving communities in One Health initiatives ensures interventions are practical and culturally acceptable. When communities demand integrated solutions, sectors respond collectively.”
This collective response to AMR is precisely what the UN AMR MPTF was designed to enable.
From childhood curiosity to national impact
Dr Mashe’s interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) began early, crystalizing during his Master’s research when he investigated the reasons behind recurring thyphoid outbreaks in his home region of Budiriro. He was driven by one pressing question: “Were we harboring a persistent source of infection, or had treatment lost its effectiveness?”
His research findings provided critical laboratory evidence that informed the introduction of the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) in Zimbabwe. Since the introduction of TCV, Zimbabwe has not recorded a single typhoid outbreak – an achievement that reinforced his conviction that science, driven by purpose and strengthened through collaboration, can transform communities, and save lives.
