Dr. Mwape Musonda
Medical Doctor & Clinical Neuropsychologist · University of Zambia
Dr. Mwape Musonda
Medical Doctor & Clinical Neuropsychologist (in training)
Professional Profile
Dr. Mwape Musonda holds a Bachelor of Human Biology degree, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Zambia. She is a recent fellow of the African Leadership for Measuring Brain Health in Children and Adolescents (ALMA), which focused on nurturing children’s brain health with a particular interest in neurodevelopmental disorders. She also holds certification for the Universal Treatment Curriculum on Substance Use Disorders 1-8, Good Clinical Practice, and Autobiographical Memory Interventions Training.
Her recent work focuses on the association between heavy metals and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorders. This work has involved screening children at high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders, diagnosing and assessing severity for those found to have the disorder. She has also taken part in community engagement and sensitization of these disorders and participated in key stakeholder engagement addressing their management.
During her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading novels, and singing in her local church choir.
Research Interests
Dr. Musonda’s research centres on neurodevelopmental disorders, with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the environmental factors — including heavy metal exposure — that may contribute to their onset and severity. Particularly she hopes to raise awareness of neurological NCDs, including Neurodevelopmental disorders, and therefore bridge the gap between diagnosis and effective management. Her other research interests include exploring risk factors for other Neurological Non-Communicable Diseases that affect the Zambian pediatric population, such as Cerebral palsy, and continuing to promote brain health for children and adolescents. Furthermore, she wishes to explore the neuropsychological function of people affected by HIV and other Neurological NCDs.
Keywords
Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Autism Spectrum Disorders · Heavy Metals · Clinical Neuropsychology · Neurological NCDs · Community Engagement · Child Health · Zambia
At TRENNDZ
At TRENNDZ, my focus will be to raise more awareness of neurological non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and build community engagement. I also wish to contribute to research on neurological NCDs and, in turn, support their effective management.
Beyond the Lab
In her spare time, Dr. Musonda enjoys reading novels, cooking, and singing in her local church choir. She looks forward to engaging with others on neurodevelopmental disorders and other neuro NCDs.
