Anna Kathrina de Jesus
I am a doctor from the Philippines with specialization in pediatrics. I finished my residency training in February 2015 at my home country. It has always been my dream to serve and protect the most deprived children in the underdeveloped countries and I decided to join the humanitarian sector in 2016.
I served with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) as a pediatrician in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Yemen. It’s surreal to be able to immerse myself and help the people that are most vulnerable in different context all over the world: war zones where access to health care was difficult, refugee camps, and remote village where lead poisoning in children was a big concern.
Contribute in a much larger scale in the humanitarian field
I was then given an opportunity to lead one of their projects by becoming a hospital manager for almost 2 years. This opportunity made me realize that I could do more and contribute in a much larger scale in the humanitarian field. My focus shifted from the children to the whole population I was serving. This gave me further joy, motivation, and excitement to be able to strategize for the project, but I also felt uncertain sometimes in the possibility of making wrong decisions that could impact the beneficiaries. It made me realize that to be a good capable decision maker for humanitarian projects I should study further and develop my knowledge in public health with a focus in international health development.
“ Being accepted in this program and to receive this scholarship to further develop my skills in the field of public health is a true honor. I will pay it forward to the most vulnerable people of my country and the rest of the World. ” ”
Help the most vulnerable people
This year I look forward to learn different health issues from the experiences (both positives and negatives) of my classmates coming from different countries and contexts, to get good theoretical and practical skills on different health financing topics and accountability, and enhance my research skills and capabilities so I can share publications that can impact health policies and governance.
After this year I plan on continue working in the humanitarian field and help people, especially the most vulnerable ones. Being accepted in this program and to receive this scholarship to further develop my skills in the field of public health is a true honor. I will pay it forward to the most vulnerable people of my country and the rest of the World.
