Precious Bwalya
Lusaka,09
Summary
Accomplished professional eager to leverage knowledge in infectious diseases and program coordination to strengthen health systems. Proficient in program implementation, monitoring implementation progress, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure compliance to organizational policies and donor requirements. Adept at fostering strong partnerships with Ministry of Health and key stakeholders and provision of technical assistance in laboratory systems strengthening. Skilled in running laboratory diagnostic services and developing policies and procedures. Collaborative and committed to improving health coverage for all. Clinical Laboratory Scientist with 14 years of experience supervising laboratory team members. Successfully implemented quality improvement principles, monitored testing procedures and protocols to improve patient care.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Coordinator
African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Participated in the deep-dive analysis of current National laboratory systems and identified gaps for improvement.
- Facilitated and coordinated the development of work plans to strengthen laboratory systems in Zambia.
- Coordinated the implementation of activities with various stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets.
- Conducted regular reviews of project progress, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Served as the primary point of contact for all in-country activities, maintaining open lines of communication between ASLM and global fund principle recipients.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, leading to increased collaboration and support for projects.
- Collaborated closely with international teams to share best practices and learnings from country-specific experiences, fostering continuous improvement in operations.
- Developed training programs for laboratory personnel and community health workers.
- Participated in training of 193 laboratory personnel and 152 community health workers in integrated disease testing, contributing to increased access to testing by 25%.
- Navigated complex political landscapes skillfully, cultivating positive working relationships with government officials at various levels.
- Wrote quarterly reports on program implementation progress
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Ministry of Health, Zambia
09.2016 - 01.2023
- Developed a strong, cohesive team atmosphere by promoting open communication and collaboration among staff members.
- Assisted in budgeting decisions regarding equipment purchases or upgrades by evaluating current needs and anticipated future requirements.
- Mentored 12 junior staff members to help them develop their skills within the clinical laboratory setting.
- Leveraged variety of molecular biological techniques to perform molecular testing, such as sequencing.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable regulations, maintaining accreditation status for the laboratory facility.
- Enhanced staff productivity through regular training sessions and performance reviews.
- Participated actively in monthly interdisciplinary meetings as a representative of the clinical laboratory department.
- Maintained a high standard of quality control by implementing strict adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- Executed and documented lab corrective action when test systems deviated from established performance specifications.
- Managed daily operations of the lab efficiently while maintaining standards for accuracy, timeliness, and quality assurance in test results output.
- Kept supplies organized and well-stocked, requesting more supplies and avoiding unnecessary testing delays.
Quality Officer
Ministry of Health
01.2015 - 09.2017
- Streamlined quality control processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced turnaround time for diagnostic test results.
- Implemented risk assessments and mitigation strategies to proactively address potential quality issues before they arose.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all quality control activities, ensuring easy access to relevant information for audit purposes and ongoing process improvement efforts.
- Developed comprehensive training materials to educate employees on proper quality control techniques, resulting in improved adherence to established guidelines.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvements in manufacturing processes, leading to better overall product quality.
- Monitored performance of quality management systems, using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives across organisation.
- Successfully, oversaw achievement of 5 stars on AFRO SLIPTA checklist for quality management system which lead to enrolment in accreditation program.
Biomedical Scientist
Ministry of Health, Zambia
05.2009 - 09.2016
- Maintained accurate records of all methods and research conducted and wrote in-depth medical reports.
- Mentored junior scientists, providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and career development opportunities.
- Published 2 research findings in top-tier biomedical journals, furthering the understanding of antimicrobial resistance in tuberculosis and in molecular diagnostic tests methodologies..
- Managed inventory levels efficiently, minimizing waste while ensuring sufficient supplies were available for all testing needs.
- Enhanced patient care through accurate and timely test results, utilizing advanced laboratory technologies.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining thorough documentation of all laboratory procedures and results.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate test ordering and result interpretation.
- Participated in quality control initiatives, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where necessary.
- Participated in departmental meetings and committees, providing valuable input on topics such as budgeting, staffing, and policy development.
- Conducted comprehensive diagnostic tests for a variety of medical conditions, aiding in proper diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Maintained high-quality standards by adhering to strict safety and cleanliness protocols within the lab environment.
Education
Ph.D. -
Hokkaido University, Japan
Sapporo03.2022
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
University of Zambia
Lusaka02.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of Zambia
Lusaka05.2009
Skills
- Training and Facilitation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Written and verbal communication
- Analytical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft office suite
Hobbies
Volunteer Bible Instructor, Gardening, Hiking
Languages
Cibemba
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Additional Information
Zoonosis Control Expert
Timeline
Country Coordinator
African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
01.2023 - 06.2024
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Ministry of Health, Zambia
09.2016 - 01.2023
Quality Officer
Ministry of Health
01.2015 - 09.2017
Biomedical Scientist
Ministry of Health, Zambia
05.2009 - 09.2016
Ph.D. -
Hokkaido University, Japan
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
University of Zambia
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University of Zambia
Similar Profiles
Timothy Kwame AsemTimothy Kwame Asem
Research Assistant and Lab Technician at West African Center For Cell Biology Of Infectious Pathogens, Laboratory For Chemical Systems, UG.Research Assistant and Lab Technician at West African Center For Cell Biology Of Infectious Pathogens, Laboratory For Chemical Systems, UG.
MS BATHSHEBA NYIRONGOMS BATHSHEBA NYIRONGO
SALES AGENT at PAN AFRICAN BUILDING SOCIETYSALES AGENT at PAN AFRICAN BUILDING SOCIETY
Agyei-Sakyi DavidAgyei-Sakyi David
Administrative Assistant at West African Genetic Medicine CentreAdministrative Assistant at West African Genetic Medicine Centre