About Dr Cheryl Baxter

Email: cbaxter@sun.ac.za
Phone: 27 (0) 83 515 6929
I recently join CERI as the Head of Scientific Support. Prior to joining CERI, I was a Senior Scientist based at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa for 19 years where I gained extensive experience in the conceptualization, design and conduct of clinical trials including ensuring local and sponsor regulatory compliance. My main research focus is HIV prevention, specifically strategies to reduce HIV acquisition among young women and issues related to sexual and reproductive health. More recently, I have been contributing to Covid-19 research, particularly the monitoring of the epidemic trends in the country. In addition to my research experience, I have a passion for capacity development and have led training programs to build administration and research capacity for African investigators.

Linkedin

PUBLICATIONS

SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Epidemiology Dashboards: A Review of Functionality and Technological Frameworks for the Public Health Response.
Sitharam N, Tegally H, Silva DC, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Xavier JS, Genes (2024), 15(7):876. doi: 10.3390/genes15070876:.

Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa.
Ramphal Y, Tegally H, San JE, Reichmuth ML, Hofstra M, Wilkinson E, Baxter C, Climade Consortium, de Oliveira T, Moir M, Pathogens (2024), 13(7):605. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13070605:.

Sustained Human Outbreak of a New MPXV Clade I Lineage in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Vakaniaki EH, Kacita C, Kinganda-Lusamaki E, O'Toole Á, Wawina-Bokalanga T, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Amuri-Aziza A, Malyamungu-Bubala N, Mweshi-Kumbana F, Mutimbwa-Mambo L, Belesi-Siangoli F, Mujula Y, Parker E, Muswamba-Kayembe PC, Nundu SS, Lushima RS, Makangara-Cigolo JC, Mulopo-Mukanya N, Pukuta-Simbu E, Akil-Bandali P, Kavunga H, Abdramane O, Brosius I, Bangwen E, Vercauteren K, Sam-Agudu NA, Mills EJ, Tshiani-Mbaya O, Hoff NA, Rimoin AW, Hensley LE, Kindrachuk J, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Ayouba A, Peeters M, Delaporte E, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Mohr EL, Sullivan NJ, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Nachega JB, Rambaut A, Liesenborghs L, Mbala-Kingebeni P, Nature Medicine (2024), doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03130-3:.

Disentangling seasonal introduction and establishment risk of dengue in Africa.
Poongavanan J, Lourenço J, Tsui JHL, Colizza V, Ramphal Y, Baxter C, Kraemer MOG, Dunaiski M, de Oliveira T, Tegally H, medRxiv [Preprint] (2024), https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.07.24306997:.

Managing and assembling population-scale data streams, tools and workflows to plan for future pandemics within the INFORM-Africa Consortium.
Poongavanan J, Xavier J, Dunaiski M, Tegally H, Oladejo S, Ayorinde O, Wilkinson E, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, S Afr J Sci. (2024), 119(5-6):14569. doi: 10.17159/sajs.2023/14659:.

Investing in Africa's scientific future.
de Oliveira T, Baxter C, Science (2024), ;383(6678):eadn4168. doi: 10.1126/science.adn4168:.

Climate Change and Epidemics 2023 Synthesis Report.
de Oliveira T, Baxter C, for the CLIMADE consortium , (2023), CLIMADE, Stellenbosch, South Africa. pp1-23, doi 10.25413/sun.24599043:.

An emerging clade of Chikungunya West African genotype discovered in real-time during 2023 outbreak in Senegal .
Padane A, Tegally H, Ramphal Y, Ndiaye S, Sarr M, Diop M, Diedhiou CK, Mboup A, Diouf N, Souare A, Diagne ND, Aza-Gnandji M, Dabo NA, Dia YA, Diaw NA, Leye N, Diaw PA, Ambroise A, Cisse B, Diallo AS, Diop O, Diallo AA, Ndoye S, Sanko TJ, Baxter C, Wilkinson E, James SE, Tshiabuila D, Naidoo Y, Pillay S, Lessells R, Cisse K, Leye A, Mbaye A, Kania D, Traore I, Kagone ST, Tinto B, Ouedraogo A, Lourenco J, Giovanetti M, Giandhari J, de Oliveira T, Mboup S, medrxiv (2023), MEDRXIV-2023-298527v1:.

Genomic epidemiology of the cholera outbreak in Malawi 2022-2023.
Chabuka L, Choga WT, Mavian CN, Moir M, Tegally H, Wilkinson E, Naidoo Y, Inward R, Morgenstern C, Bhatt S, Wint WGR, Khan K, Bogoch II, Kraemer MUG, Baxter C, Tagliamonte M, Salemi M, Lessells RJ, Mitambo C, Chitatanga R, Bango JB, Chiwaula M, Chavula Y, Bukhu M, Manda H, Chitenje M, Malolo I, Mwanyongo A, Mvula B, Nyenje M, de Oliveira T, Kagoli M, medRxiv (2023), https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.22.23294324:.

Dispersal patterns and influence of air travel during the global expansion of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Tegally H, Wilkinson E, Tsui JL, Moir M, Martin D, Brito AF, Giovanetti M, Khan K, Huber C, Bogoch II, San JE, Poongavanan J, Xavier JS, Candido DDS, Romero F, Baxter C, Pybus OG, Lessells RJ, Faria NR, Kraemer MUG, de Oliveira T, Cell (2023), S0092-8674(23)00641-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.001:.

Evaluation of miniaturized Illumina DNA preparation protocols for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing.
Pillay S, San JE, Tshiabuila D, Naidoo Y, Pillay Y, Maharaj A, Anyaneji UJ, Wilkinson E, Tegally H, Lessells RJ, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Giandhari J, PLoS ONE (2023), 18(4):e0283219. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283219:.

SARS-CoV-2 Africa dashboard for real-time COVID-19 information.
Xavier JS, Moir M, Tegally H, Sitharam N, Abdool Karim W, San JE, Linhares J, Wilkinson E, Ascher DB, Baxter C, Pires DEV, de Oliveira T, Nature Microbiology (2023), 8(1):1-4. doi: 10.1038/s41564-022-01276-9:.

Molecular Epidemiology and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia 2020-2022.
Sisay A, Tshiabuila D, van Wyk S, Tesfaye A, Mboowa G, Oyola SO, Tesema SK, Baxter C, Martin D, Lessells R, Tegally H, Moir M, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Singh L, Ramphal Y, Maharaj A, Pillay Y, Maharaj A, Naidoo Y, Ramphal U, Chabuka L, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T, Desta AF, San JE, Genes (2023), 13;14(3):705. doi: 10.3390/genes14030705:.

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.
Tegally H, San JE, Cotten M, Moir M, Tegomoh B, Mboowa G, Martin DP, Baxter C, Lambisia AW, Diallo A, Amoako DG, Diagne MM, Sisay A, Zekri AN, Gueye AS, Sangare AK, Ouedraogo AS, Sow A, Musa AO, Sesay AK, Abias AG, Elzagheid AI, Lagare A, Kemi AS, Abar AE, Johnson AA, Fowotade A, Oluwapelumi AO, Amuri AA, Juru A, Kandeil A, Mostafa A, Rebai A, Sayed A, Kazeem A, Balde A, Christoffels A, Trotter AJ, Campbell A, Keita AK, Kone A, Bouzid A, Souissi A, Agweyu A, Naguib A, Gutierrez AV, Nkeshimana A, Page AJ, Yadouleton A, Vinze A, Happi AN, Chouikha A, Iranzadeh A, Maharaj A, Batchi-Bouyou AL, Ismail A, Sylverken AA, Goba A, Femi A, Sijuwola AE, Marycelin B, Salako BL, Oderinde BS, Bolajoko B, Diarra B, Herring BL, Tsofa B, Lekana-Douki B, Mvula B, Njanpop-Lafourcade BM, Marondera BT, Khaireh BA, Kouriba B, Adu B, Pool B, McInnis B, Brook C, Williamson C, Nduwimana C, Anscombe C, Pratt CB, Scheepers C, Akoua-Koffi CG, Agoti CN, Mapanguy CM, Loucoubar C, Onwuamah CK, Ihekweazu C, Malaka CN, Peyrefitte C, Grace C, Omoruyi CE, Rafaï CD, Morang'a CM, Erameh C, Lule DB, Bridges DJ, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Park D, Rasmussen DA, Baker D, Nokes DJ, Ssemwanga D, Tshiabuila D, Amuzu DSY, Goedhals D, Grant DS, Omuoyo DO, Maruapula D, Wanjohi DW, Foster-Nyarko E, Lusamaki EK, Simulundu E, Ong'era EM, Ngabana EN, Abworo EO, Otieno E, Shumba E, Barasa E, Ahmed EB, Ahmed EA, Lokilo E, Mukantwari E, Philomena E, Belarbi E, Simon-Loriere E, Anoh EA, Manuel E, Leendertz F, Taweh FM, Wasfi F, Abdelmoula F, Takawira FT, Derrar F, Ajogbasile FV, Treurnicht F, Onikepe F, Ntoumi F, Muyembe FM, Ragomzingba FEZ, Dratibi FA, Iyanu FA, Mbunsu GK, Thilliez G, Kay GL, Akpede GO, van Zyl GU, Awandare GA, Kpeli GS, Schubert G, Maphalala GP, Ranaivoson HC, Omunakwe HE, Onywera H, Abe H, Karray H, Nansumba H, Triki H, Kadjo HAA, Elgahzaly H, Gumbo H, Mathieu H, Kavunga-Membo H, Smeti I, Olawoye IB, Adetifa IMO, Odia I, Ben Boubaker IB, Mohammad IA, Ssewanyana I, Wurie I, Konstantinus IS, Halatoko JWA, Ayei J, Sonoo J, Makangara JC, Tamfum JM, Heraud JM, Shaffer JG, Giandhari J, Musyoki J, Nkurunziza J, Uwanibe JN, Bhiman JN, Yasuda J, Morais J, Kiconco J, Sandi JD, Huddleston J, Odoom JK, Morobe JM, Gyapong JO, Kayiwa JT, Okolie JC, Xavier JS, Gyamfi J, Wamala JF, Bonney JHK, Nyandwi J, Everatt J, Nakaseegu J, Ngoi JM, Namulondo J, Oguzie JU, Andeko JC, Lutwama JJ, Mogga JJH, O'Grady J, Siddle KJ, Victoir K, Adeyemi KT, Tumedi KA, Carvalho KS, Mohammed KS, Dellagi K, Musonda KG, Duedu KO, Fki-Berrajah L, Singh L, Kepler LM, Biscornet L, de Oliveira Martins L, Chabuka L, Olubayo L, Ojok LD, Deng LL, Ochola-Oyier LI, Tyers L, Mine M, Ramuth M, Mastouri M, ElHefnawi M, Mbanne M, Matsheka MI, Kebabonye M, Diop M, Momoh M, Lima Mendonça MDL, Venter M, Paye MF, Faye M, Nyaga MM, Mareka M, Damaris MM, Mburu MW, Mpina MG, Owusu M, Wiley MR, Tatfeng MY, Ayekaba MO, Abouelhoda M, Beloufa MA, Seadawy MG, Khalifa MK, Matobo MM, Kane M, Salou M, Mbulawa MB, Mwenda M, Allam M, Phan MVT, Abid N, Rujeni N, Abuzaid N, Ismael N, Elguindy N, Top NM, Dia N, Mabunda N, Hsiao NY, Silochi NB, Francisco NM, Saasa N, Bbosa N, Murunga N, Gumede N, Wolter N, Sitharam N, Ndodo N, Ajayi NA, Tordo N, Mbhele N, Razanajatovo NH, Iguosadolo N, Mba N, Kingsley OC, Sylvanus O, Femi O, Adewumi OM, Testimony O, Ogunsanya OA, Fakayode O, Ogah OE, Oludayo OE, Faye O, Smith-Lawrence P, Ondoa P, Combe P, Nabisubi P, Semanda P, Oluniyi PE, Arnaldo P, Quashie PK, Okokhere PO, Bejon P, Dussart P, Bester PA, Mbala PK, Kaleebu P, Abechi P, El-Shesheny R, Joseph R, Aziz RK, Essomba RG, Ayivor-Djanie R, Njouom R, Phillips RO, Gorman R, Kingsley RA, Neto Rodrigues RMDESA, Audu RA, Carr RAA, Gargouri S, Masmoudi S, Bootsma S, Sankhe S, Mohamed SI, Femi S, Mhalla S, Hosch S, Kassim SK, Metha S, Trabelsi S, Agwa SH, Mwangi SW, Doumbia S, Makiala-Mandanda S, Aryeetey S, Ahmed SS, Ahmed SM, Elhamoumi S, Moyo S, Lutucuta S, Gaseitsiwe S, Jalloh S, Andriamandimby SF, Oguntope S, Grayo S, Lekana-Douki S, Prosolek S, Ouangraoua S, van Wyk S, Schaffner SF, Kanyerezi S, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Rudder S, Pillay S, Nabadda S, Behillil S, Budiaki SL, van der Werf S, Mashe T, Mohale T, Le-Viet T, Velavan TP, Schindler T, Maponga TG, Bedford T, Anyaneji UJ, Chinedu U, Ramphal U, George UE, Enouf V, Nene V, Gorova V, Roshdy WH, Karim WA, Ampofo WK, Preiser W, Choga WT, Ahmed YA, Ramphal Y, Bediako Y, Naidoo Y, Butera Y, de Laurent ZR; Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), Ouma AEO, von Gottberg A, Githinji G, Moeti M, Tomori O, Sabeti PC, Sall AA, Oyola SO, Tebeje YK, Tessema SK, de Oliveira T, Happi C, Lessells R, Nkengasong J, Wilkinson E, Science (2022), eabq5358. doi: 10.1126/science.abq5358:.

Urgent need for a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox virus.
Happi C, Adetifa I, Mbala P, Njouom R, Nakoune E, Happi A, Ndodo N, Ayansola O, Mboowa G, Bedford T, Neher RA, Roemer C, Hodcroft E, Tegally H, O'Toole Á, Rambaut A, Pybus O, Kraemer MUG, Wilkinson E, Isidro J, Borges V, Pinto M, Gomes JP, Freitas L, Resende PC, Lee RTC, Maurer-Stroh S, Baxter C, Lessells R, Ogwell AE, Kebede Y, Tessema SK, de Oliveira T, PLoS Biology (2022), doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001769.:.

Building genomic sequencing capacity in Africa to respond to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
de Oliveira T, Wilkinson E, Baxter C, Tegally H, Giandhari J, Naidoo Y, Pillay S, Science (2022), https://www.science.org/content/resource/pandemic-preparedness-changing-world-fostering-global-collaboration, 2022:.

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5 in South Africa.
Tegally H, Moir M, Everatt J, Giovanetti M, Scheepers C, Wilkinson E, Subramoney K, Moyo S, Amoako D, Althaus C, Anyaneji U, Kekana D, Viana R, Giandhari J, Maponga T, Maruapula D, Choga W, Mayaphi S, Mbhele N, Gaseitsiwe S, Msomi N, Naidoo Y, Pillay S, Sanko T, San J, Scott L, Singh L, Magini N, Smith-Lawrence P, Stevens W, Dor G, Tshiabuila D, Wolter N, Preiser W, Treurnicht F, Venter M, Davids M, Chiloane G, Mendes A, McIntyre C, O'Toole A, Ruis C, Peacock T, Roemer C, Williamson C, Pybus O, Bhiman J, Glass A, Martin D, Rambaut A, Gaseitsiwe S, von Gottberg A, Baxter C, Lessells R, de Oliveira T, Nature Medicine (2022), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01911-2:.

Urgent need for a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox virus.
Happi C, Adetifa I, Mbala P, Njouom R, Nakoune E, Happi A, Ndodo N, Ayansola O, Mboowa G, Bedford T, Neher RA, Roemer C, Hodcroft E, Tegally H, ’Toole A, Rambaut A, Pybus O, Kraemer MUG, Wilkinson E, Isidro J, Borges V, Pinto M, Gomes JP, Baxter C, Lessells R, Ogwell AE, Kebede Y, Tessema SK, de Oliveira T, Virological (2022), https://virological.org/t/urgent-need-for-a-non-discriminatory-and-non-stigmatizing-nomenclature-for-monkeypox-virus/853:.

Trends in HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Incidence in a Hyperendemic Area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa .
Kharsany ABM, Cawood C, Lewis L, Yende-Zuma N, Khanyile D, Puren A, Madurai S, Baxter C, George G, Govender K, Beckett S, Samsunder N, Toledo C, Ayalew KA, Diallo K, Glenshaw M, Herman-Roloff A, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T, Abdool Karim SS, Abdool Karim Q, JAMA Network Open (2019), 2(11):e1914378. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14378:.

Transmission networks and risk of HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a community-wide phylogenetic study.
de Oliveira T, Kharsany ABM, Graf T, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Grobler A, Puren A, Madurai S, Baxter C, Karim QA, Karim SSA, Lancet HIV (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(16)30186-2:.