My Motivation
Public health has always fascinated me as a field where individual and collective well-being intersect. Growing up in Sierra Leone, a country facing significant public health challenges, I witnessed how systemic health issues affect communities. These experiences inspired me to pursue impactful solutions to improve health outcomes at a societal level. This aspiration aligns perfectly with the Europubhealth+ programme, which provides an interdisciplinary and international approach to tackling global public health challenges.
My academic background, professional experiences, and commitment to public health make me a strong candidate for the Europubhealth+ programme.
My degree in Public health from Njala University built me a solid foundation in core public health competencies. While my undergraduate performance was modest, it motivated me to strive for continuous improvement. After graduation, I joined the Ministry of Health as a Disease Surveillance Officer, working on epidemic preparedness and response. This role enhanced my understanding of disease patterns and highlighted the importance of timely, accurate data in shaping effective health policies and interventions.
The Europubhealth+ double-degree programme presents a unique opportunity to develop expertise in addressing complex public health issues, especially through data-driven approaches. Its global focus aligns with my professional goal of designing evidence-based interventions that are scalable across various settings. The programs multicultural and interdisciplinary nature will improve my ability to collaborate in diverse contexts, a critical skill in todays interconnected world.
I am particularly drawn to the core competencies courses at the University of Sheffield, whose focus on health equity and data integration aligns with my interest in using advanced analytics to tackle health disparities. In the second year, I plan to specialize in Public Health Data Science at the University of Bordeaux. This specialization will empower me to use advanced analytical tools and methods to create impactful solutions for disease control and prevention in Sierra Leone and beyond. Completing this program will equip me with the technical expertise and global perspective needed to drive meaningful change in public health.
I aim to address is Sierra Leones weak public health data and information systems. In my role as a Disease Surveillance Officer, I have witnessed how manual data collection processes delay outbreak detection and response. The lack of reliable and timely data hinders effective decision-making and planning. Example; During the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, the absence of robust data systems delayed case identification and contact tracing, exacerbating the crisis. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the vulnerabilities of the health system and disrupted the countrys economy. Currently, health facilities, community health workers, and central databases lack integration, creating reporting gaps and making analysis difficult. These challenges impact not only emergency response but also long-term disease prevention and health system strengthening. A resilient data system is essential to detect outbreaks early, guide rapid responses, and support better health planning.
Upon completing the Europubhealth+ program, I plan to leverage advanced data analytics and technology to build a more integrated disease surveillance system. My approach includes implementing real-time digital tools that allow healthcare workers to input and access data seamlessly. I also intend to design systems that integrate community-level data with national databases, ensuring efficient information flow for evidence-based decision-making. Moreover, I will advocate for capacity-building initiatives to train healthcare workers and public health officials in data management, analysis, and interpretation.
My ultimate goal is to use data-driven insights to create interventions that save lives and improve disease surveillance services. Addressing these foundational issues will help build a resilient health data infrastructure in Sierra Leone capable of detecting outbreaks early and supporting effective health planning for a healthier population.
Thanks for considering my application.
Public health has always fascinated me as a field where individual and collective well-being intersect. Growing up in Sierra Leone, a country facing significant public health challenges, I witnessed how systemic health issues affect communities. These experiences inspired me to pursue impactful solutions to improve health outcomes at a societal level. This aspiration aligns perfectly with the Europubhealth+ programme, which provides an interdisciplinary and international approach to tackling global public health challenges.
My academic background, professional experiences, and commitment to public health make me a strong candidate for the Europubhealth+ programme.
My degree in Public health from Njala University built me a solid foundation in core public health competencies. While my undergraduate performance was modest, it motivated me to strive for continuous improvement. After graduation, I joined the Ministry of Health as a Disease Surveillance Officer, working on epidemic preparedness and response. This role enhanced my understanding of disease patterns and highlighted the importance of timely, accurate data in shaping effective health policies and interventions.
The Europubhealth+ double-degree programme presents a unique opportunity to develop expertise in addressing complex public health issues, especially through data-driven approaches. Its global focus aligns with my professional goal of designing evidence-based interventions that are scalable across various settings. The programs multicultural and interdisciplinary nature will improve my ability to collaborate in diverse contexts, a critical skill in todays interconnected world.
I am particularly drawn to the core competencies courses at the University of Sheffield, whose focus on health equity and data integration aligns with my interest in using advanced analytics to tackle health disparities. In the second year, I plan to specialize in Public Health Data Science at the University of Bordeaux. This specialization will empower me to use advanced analytical tools and methods to create impactful solutions for disease control and prevention in Sierra Leone and beyond. Completing this program will equip me with the technical expertise and global perspective needed to drive meaningful change in public health.
I aim to address is Sierra Leones weak public health data and information systems. In my role as a Disease Surveillance Officer, I have witnessed how manual data collection processes delay outbreak detection and response. The lack of reliable and timely data hinders effective decision-making and planning. Example; During the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, the absence of robust data systems delayed case identification and contact tracing, exacerbating the crisis. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the vulnerabilities of the health system and disrupted the countrys economy. Currently, health facilities, community health workers, and central databases lack integration, creating reporting gaps and making analysis difficult. These challenges impact not only emergency response but also long-term disease prevention and health system strengthening. A resilient data system is essential to detect outbreaks early, guide rapid responses, and support better health planning.
Upon completing the Europubhealth+ program, I plan to leverage advanced data analytics and technology to build a more integrated disease surveillance system. My approach includes implementing real-time digital tools that allow healthcare workers to input and access data seamlessly. I also intend to design systems that integrate community-level data with national databases, ensuring efficient information flow for evidence-based decision-making. Moreover, I will advocate for capacity-building initiatives to train healthcare workers and public health officials in data management, analysis, and interpretation.
My ultimate goal is to use data-driven insights to create interventions that save lives and improve disease surveillance services. Addressing these foundational issues will help build a resilient health data infrastructure in Sierra Leone capable of detecting outbreaks early and supporting effective health planning for a healthier population.
Thanks for considering my application.
