The Team behind ACRN.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Tariro Makadzange is a medical social entrepreneur, infectious disease physician, and expert in viral immunology. She earned her MD from Harvard Medical School and a DPhil (PhD) from Oxford University (Balliol College). Her career spans public healthcare in Zimbabwe, global health research between Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Zimbabwe, and clinical development in the pharmaceutical industry-from first-in-human biologics to late-phase small molecule trials. She has conducted research in viral immunology and vaccine immunogen design. As the founder of CRMG and Mutala Trust, she has led efforts to diversify clinical trials, advance immunogenetics research in African populations, and drive public health innovation. Now, as the CEO of ACRN, Dr. Makadzange is building a pan-African clinical research ecosystem with her team that aims to deliver globally competitive, high-quality trials while tackling Africa’s most pressing health challenges. She also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Stanford University and a Faculty Fellow at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health.
Chief Of Staff
Dr. Romina Mariano is an accomplished clinician and researcher specializing in clinical research, health policy, and strategy. She has led vaccine effectiveness studies across Africa, global disease prevention campaigns, and international health initiatives. As a consultant for the Ellison Institute of Technology, she focuses on the future of clinical trials. A Rhodes Scholar with a DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences (Oxon) and an MBBCh (Wits), Romina is committed to equitable clinical research and strengthening Africa’s health systems.
Director Of Mutala
Prof. Chiratidzo Ndhlovu is a distinguished physician-scientist and public health leader with extensive experience in clinical research, academic medicine, and health systems strengthening. Formerly of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and now Mutala Trust, she has held multiple senior academic and clinical appointments and has led high-impact research initiatives across infectious diseases and renal medicine. With advanced training in nephrology, public health and international experience, she brings deep expertise in research governance, capacity building, and mentorship. Professor Ndhlovu has contributed to national and regional scientific leadership, supporting the development of high-quality, ethically grounded clinical research programs in Zimbabwe.
Alliance and Partnership Director
Dr. Wilfred Gurupira is a leading senior public health specialist and researcher with nearly two decades of experience in public health and NIH-funded clinical research in Zimbabwe. As a systems thinker and implementation practitioner, Wilfred excels at finding innovative solutions, implementing strategies, and measuring the impact of interventions. He thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys working with pragmatic and creative people and teams that value genuine engagement and embrace complexity.