Dr. Lynda Stranix-Chibanda is co-chair of the HPTN 083-01/HPTN 084-01 sub-studies evaluating long-acting injectable cabotegravir in adolescent populations, a member of the HPTN Adolescent Working Group and research scientific director at the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe. A pediatrician by training, Dr. Stranix-Chibanda lectures in the Child and Women’s Health Department at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is also an investigator for the IMPAACT network and is a member of the HVTN Scientific Governance Committee.   

What attracted you to a career in HIV prevention research? 

As a trainee doctor in Zimbabwe during the peak of the HIV epidemic, before ART became available, the need for effective strategies to prevent HIV acquisition was very evident. I was exposed to the research being conducted in our country during grand rounds and jumped at the first opportunity to join a research team that came my way. My first post in research was as a site pediatrician for the HIVNET 023 protocol team. This study established the safety and dosing schedule for infant nevirapine prophylaxis to prevent breast milk transmission. Almost 25 years later, my research focus has shifted marginally to primary HIV prevention among pregnant and breastfeeding women because we have yet to eliminate pediatric HIV. 

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? 

Interacting with our community partners and study participants – I thrive on exchanging knowledge and learning about their lived experiences, which, I find, helps me better understand the context of HIV and how it affects our communities.

What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?       

The commitment to excellence from the incredible team I have the privilege of working with – their skill and professionalism motivates me to strive for continued growth and sustainability of our research group. The Zimbabwe clinical trials unit has seven clinical research sites, and my leadership role as research scientific director means that I interact with all the teams, regularly supporting teams to identify best practices and share their learning across the different sites.

What has been one of your proudest moments as a member of the HPTN? 

Watching the HPTN 084-01 results release at CROI 2023 – I was proud to have contributed important data that facilitated licensure for use in younger populations as co-chair of this adolescent sub-study of the HPTN 084 trial of long-acting injectable cabotegravir in cisgender women in Eastern and Southern Africa.  

What inspires you? 

My mentees – I’m surrounded by a host of young researchers whose inspired thinking challenges me daily and brings me endless joy. With such depth in the network, I am confident that HIV prevention research will continue to flourish in the years ahead and drive the field closer to realizing our shared goal. 

What is your guilty pleasure? 

A moment of quiet reflection over a steaming mug of exceptionally good Zimbabwean-grown coffee.