Published: 03 March 2021
Angela Obasi, Deputy Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on lung health and tuberculosis (TB) in Africa, explains how women scientists are blazing the trail in a multi-country programme addressing TB and other chronic lung diseases in Africa.
Research is an apprenticeship career. The support and guidance that scientists receive as PhD students and postdoctoral researchers is vital to their future success. As Deputy Director of IMPALA, one of the largest lung health research programmes currently running in Africa, it has been a privilege to see how our cohort of early career researchers (ECR) are turning their scientific curiosity into evidence that may help improve lives.
IMPALA research addresses TB and chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. TB has long been the leading infectious cause of death world-wide, only surpassed by COVID in 2020. Chronic respiratory diseases are also important but neglected causes of morbidity and death in low-income and middle-income countries.
By design, development of multi-disciplinary applied health research capacity among ten fully-funded ECR has been central to IMPALA’s strategy. Six of these are women. They are, I believe, future research leaders who will drive innovation for improved global health.
However, their work in the clinic, at the bedside and in the community is only part of the story. Like so many women in science, our colleagues have significant responsibilities caring for children and other relatives on top of their busy professional careers. This means we need to create and actively sustain nurturing working environments in which women are not only treated with respect, but fully supported to balance their work and lives.
Embedding these values in the programmes we design and lead is central to ensuring that the research of the future has full access to the bright young talent of today.
A day in the life of an early career researcher
Brenda Mungai's PhD Fellowship combines diagnostic imaging, modelling and policy research: "As a mother of two, my day starts at 5am with a look at my “to-do” list while my son gets ready for school. Right now, I am developing an operational model. This has been both interesting and challenging: I get to learn a new skill, although the coding is quite tedious.
"I am writing up at the moment and analysis is taking up most of my time. However, as a policy PhD student, I regularly meet with policy makers and am currently planning a meeting to present the final operational model to them. A recent highlight for me has been having my chest x-ray research work published in BMJ Thorax."
As the IMPALA programme completes its final year, the ECR share their advice to other women considering research careers in Global Health.
Words of wisdom and encouragement from the team
Be determined: “Make sure that the decision you make today is for your own future. Don’t shy away from what you think you are interested in because of discouragement from others.” Elizabeth Shayo, Postdoctoral researcher in social sciences at the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania, is studying how stigma and poverty act as barriers to service uptake for patients with lung disease.
Be kind to yourself: “It’s okay to feel uncomfortable, uncertain or unprepared. It’s okay to doubt yourself today, just remember to try again tomorrow.” Wanjiku Kagima PhD Fellow, Clinical Sciences, Kenya is evaluating ultrasound diagnostics in acute lung disease.
Take opportunities for personal growth: “Despite the many gender-related challenges faced by career women, a career in global health is more likely to be fulfilling and exciting than not. It will spur persona and individual growth as well as contribute to the general good.” Irene Ayakaka PhD Fellow, Social Sciences, Makerere Lung Institute (MLI), Uganda is researching community engagement in lung health systems.
Don’t sabotage yourself: “Overcome societal and work-related prejudices about women. Avoid self-stigma and inferiority complex. Be ready to take the lead without fearing to fail, but aiming to learn for self-improvement.” Rebecca Nantanda postdoctoral Researcher, Clinical Sciences, MLI, Uganda, is researching the environmental and nutritional determinants which are key to understanding lung health challenges in later life.
Be reflective and engage genuinely: “Spend plenty of time at study sites and be hands-on. Observe local life, chat, learn the reality on the ground and reflect on what health research is needed, who are and who should be involved in the research?” Yan Ding is a postdoctoral researcher at LSTM, whose work focuses on strengthening multi-disciplinary working in global health research.
Be open to opportunity: “It’s never too early or late to pursue a career in global health research. There are many mentors and a great support team you will meet along your journey. All you need to do is be willing to learn, be open, reach out... Learn every day.” Brenda Mungai is one of many women entering global health research with prior clinical and other health sector experience, which adds great value and relevance to the science they produce.
Find out more about the NIHR Global Health programme and funding opportunities.
Dr Angela Obasi - Deputy Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on lung health and TB in Africa
