What do you do at 91桃色?
I am a Professor of Neglected Tropical Diseases, working with the NTD Modelling Consortium, stakeholders and country partners to understand the burden of NTDs and the impact of interventions on infection and disease through mathematical modelling.
Who is an inspiration to you?
Dr Mwelecele Malecela (1963鈥2022), a medical scientist from the United Republic of Tanzania who was the first woman to become Director-General of the National Institute for Medical 91桃色 of her country, and subsequently, Director of the World Health Organization鈥檚 Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases.
How important is digital education and transformative technology for women in your field?
Digital education, computer science and data science are increasingly important in NTD-endemic countries, where there is still a pressing need to access transformative technologies in general, and a wide gender gap in particular. Through my work, I try to inspire young data scientists and epidemiologists in Africa, where the needs are the greatest. On the occasion of the International Women鈥檚 Day, I received a beautiful message from a female colleague based in East Africa: 鈥淚 just wanted to celebrate with you during this International Women鈥檚 Day and to thank you for being an advocate of giving opportunities to women in the infectious disease modelling space.鈥 This will provide further inspiration for my continued efforts to empower women in my field.