Wairimù Mathenge

Support the implementation of WHO activities in the area of Country Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations including providing support to the Ministry of Health and other sectors in activities which include: • Developing/updating national Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans; • Creating and updating the Country Office’s contingency and business continuity plans as well as assisting MOH in creating and updating their National Contingency Plans; • Provision of assistance in Risk Assessments, and Critical Core Capacities for All-Hazard Health Emergencies; • Supporting the monitoring, evaluation and objective assessment of country core capacities, ensuring the implementation of the International Health Regulations. Provide technical assistance at Country level on priority issues such as: Emergency Preparedness, Surveillance and Response; Strengthening Health Systems, Operational Readiness and Essential Public Health Functions.

Team leader in COVID-19 emergency management, preparedness, readiness, response and recovery; directly overseeing and coordinating all facets of infection prevention and control (IPC), case management and risk communication. Work with ministry officials to ensure facility IPC policies are consistent with recommended guidelines, review procedures to rapidly identify & isolate suspected cases and ensure isolation rooms are available and functioning correctly. Assess availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other IPC supplies for healthcare personnel protection and source control for infected patients. Monitor and manage healthcare personnel with potential for exposure to 2019 nCoV.  Lead Trainer of Trainers (TOT) on COVID-19 preparedness and response.  COVID-19 Rapid Response Team Lead at 4 quarantine facilities and one referral hospital.  Involved in research, grant and proposal writing.

Administered various activities for SRHR-HIV knows no border project (Consortium of the International Organization for Migration, Save the Children and Wits School of Public Health) with the aim of improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes for migrants, adolescents and young people (AYP) and sex workers in migration-affected communities in Southern Africa. Coordinated and cooperated with lead researcher and other stakeholders in establishing and delivering strategic road map. Performed epidemiological studies, data analysis, interpretation, and generation of research reports. Compiled, summarized, and provided study findings to department as well as at scientific conferences. Acted as subject matter expert and provided expert advice/opinion as well as improvement suggestions to major stakeholders.  Conducted statistical analysis of data obtained from the research project along with overseeing interpretation of results and presentation of findings at departmental meetings.  Facilitated the preparation of key reports to communicate effective processes and critical findings applicable on targeted audience.

Team leader on the ground, involved in all facets of Reproductive Health and patient care, Policy formulation and execution:  Adolescent and teenage Reproductive Health counselling, HIV treatment and follow-up, family planning and peri-natal care of the same age-set.  Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) response and victim support, treatment and counselling. HIV exposure management and screening of SGBV victims, victim stigma management and raising of awareness within communities towards the dynamics of SGBV.  Family planning,preconception and perinatal care  Clinical Practice ranging from handling obstetric and neonatal emergencies to performing elective surgical procedures.  Coordinate and oversight of work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists and other health care providers. Provision of training of Nursing Students and Medical Interns.  Collection, collating and analysis of Provincial Reproductive and Maternal Health statistics and data for ministry application.

 Intensive Care Unit  Member of multidisciplinary team involved in critical patient care

 Rotated through medical, pediatric, surgical and obstetric wards  Worked in the comprehensive care clinic (CCC)- actively involved in HIV & TB patient care  On the front-line of medical & surgical patient care under supervision  Organised and conducted continuous medical education sessions