16/10/2026
VCPH LABORATORY INTERN WINS RESEARCH AWARD AT ZASCO 2026
By Bariri Sonia
Mutare- Zimbabwe 16 October 2026 -Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital (VCPH) is proud to celebrate the achievement of its Laboratory Intern, Rose Machacha, who won the Dr J. Mutsvangwa Award for Best Student Presenter at the ZASCO 2026 Conference, held in Nyanga on 8 and 9 October 2026.
Machacha received the award for her research presentation titled “Antibiotic Activity in Urine Samples and Its Effects on the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital Laboratory.” Her work highlights the importance of laboratory research in generating knowledge that can contribute to improved diagnostic practices and better patient care.
The achievement aligns with the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s National Health Strategy for Zimbabwe 2026–2030, which identifies health systems research as critical to evidence-based planning, policy formulation and programme improvement. The strategy further prioritises improved research output that addresses national health problems and informs policy decisions.
The strategy also emphasises translating research findings into policy and practice to strengthen health system performance and support national development goals. Machacha’s recognition therefore provides an opportunity to highlight the role of research and innovation in advancing healthcare delivery and strengthening evidence-based clinical practice.
VCPH recognises this achievement as a contribution to its commitment to professional development, research, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
The hospital congratulates Rose Machacha on this achievement and encourages healthcare professionals and trainees to continue pursuing research that addresses health challenges and contributes to the advancement of Zimbabwe’s health sector. As a hub of healthcare research, VCPH is committed to supporting innovation, collaboration and the generation of evidence that strengthens healthcare delivery and improves patient outcomes.