Helping to Bring Change in Healthcare the Goal of Doctoral Graduate

Improving Healthcare Systems is a priority on the agenda of Dr Enos Moyo of Zimbabwe who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine (Public Health Medicine).

Supervised by Professor Andrew Ross, Moyo’s academic achievement is a personal triumph and a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, compassion and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare systems in Africa.

Moyo’s formative years were deeply impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1990s. Witnessing the devastating effects of the pandemic and the lack of accessible antiretroviral treatment in his community ignited a profound desire to make a difference.

‘People were dying like flies. I knew I had to become a doctor – not just to treat, but to bring change,’ he recalled.

After securing his Medical degree, his thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Philosophy in HIV/AIDS Management, a Master of Science in Applied Health Economics, and a Master of Public Health.

Throughout his career, one issue consistently stood out – maternal and child health.

‘I lost patients simply because they hadn’t attended postnatal care. That pain pushed me toward public health research. I had to find the answers,’ said Moyo.

For his doctoral study, Moyo turned his focus to Postnatal Care (PNC) utilisation in the Oshana region of Namibia, where he currently works as a Medical doctor and researcher at the Medical Centre in Oshakati. His mixed-methods research, backed by extensive literature reviews, aims to assess women’s knowledge, perceptions and usage of PNC services in the region.

PNC utilisation was only 43.8%, significantly below the national average. Major barriers to PNC included poor knowledge, negative perceptions, unemployment, and rural residence.

Moyo developed a novel classification framework to predict and address low PNC usage, identifying key factors such as employment status, marital status and mode of delivery.

His comprehensive approach included eight manuscripts, a meta-analysis of postpartum haemorrhage, and reviews on oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for pregnant and lactating women, among other critical maternal health issues.

Currently, Moyo balances clinical work and research by his positions as a Section Editor of the Journal of Public Health in Africa (an Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication) and Lead Guest Editor at Frontiers in Public Health. His work contributes to shaping the future of sub-Saharan Africa’s public health, maternal, and reproductive health policy.

Beyond the lab and the lecture hall, Moyo finds joy in simple pleasures. ‘I love watching movies with my family, meeting new people, and visiting family members,’ he shared with a smile.

Words: Maryann Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini