title: Practical Approach to Biobanking in Zimbabwe: Establishment of an Inclusive Stakeholder Framework.
abstract: The growing need for biobanks in health research presents an opportunity for building capacity in developing countries. In Zimbabwe, there is limited knowledge and awareness about biobanking. As such we report the proceedings of a biobanking course, which included research scientists, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities as a start to developing a framework for biobanking practice. The aim was to educate stakeholders about biobanking and to understand the current and future regulatory and infrastructure requirements for biobanking. Using an inclusive stakeholder approach, we sought to articulate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This report highlights a practical method to providing basic education to stakeholders, building awareness and consensus about building capacity for biobanking in a developing country.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences , Harare, Zimbabwe .
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matimba
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden .
authors.forename: Gunnel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tybring
authors.affiliation: 3 Research Council of Zimbabwe , Harare, Zimbabwe .
authors.forename: Jekoniya
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chitereka
authors.affiliation: 4 Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe , Josiah Tongogara Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe .
authors.forename: Rutendo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zinyama-Gutsire
authors.affiliation: 5 Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa .
authors.forename: Collet
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dandara
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden .
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bürén
authors.affiliation: 6 African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Wilkins Hospital , Harare, Zimbabwe .
authors.forename: Milcah
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dhoro
authors.affiliation: 6 African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Wilkins Hospital , Harare, Zimbabwe .
authors.forename: Collen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Masimirembwa
mesh_terms: D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D015030:Zimbabwe
keywords: Africa; biobank; biobanking course; biobanking education