Published in News
Our Communications Officer, Ekow Tachie-Mensah sat down with Maisha Syed, the Research Assistant and Project Officer at the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), to discuss her journey in global health.
Ekow: Hello Maisha, how are you doing?
Maisha: I am doing well, thank you. I hope you are okay!
Ekow: Well, we can’t complain.
Maisha: Haha, we really can’t.
Ekow: So, I know you studied for a Master’s Degree in Global Health and Development. What motivated you to pursue a career in science?
Maisha: Growing up, my passion for science especially biology and chemistry, not so much of physics (laughs), led me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, focused on health. During my time at university, I discovered global health while volunteering with researchers at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). This opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a whole field where you can focus on improving healthcare globally and using that knowledge to improve access to healthcare. So that’s basically how I ended up pursuing the Masters in Global Health. . .and here I am.
Ekow: Here you are indeed! Plus I know your master’s dissertation focused on maternal mental health disorders in Bangladesh. What sparked your interest in this topic?
Maisha: My family is from Bangladesh, so we’re Bangladeshi-British citizens. Mental health is one thing that is stigmatized in Bangladesh. So, it just sparked my interest as a personal thing to explore the mental health in this ethnic minority community. I also focused on maternal mental health due to my women’s health project with the RCOG. I had grown an interest in women’s health especially in low- and middle-income countries where women are often treated in a lower regard than men, especially in societies that are quite patriarchal in nature.
Ekow: Clearly your passion lies in implementing change in healthcare. How do you see your work contributing to this vision, particularly in the context of chronic diseases?
Maisha: That’s a very good question. I’m currently working on an end-of-programme report for research projects globally on diabetes, funded by the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD). This work showcases how implementation science can achieve equitable healthcare, serving as a model for addressing various chronic diseases. Beyond this, my personal goal is to contribute to policy changes for equitable healthcare.
Ekow: Speaking of your work at GACD, what excites you the most about this project?
Maisha: I think it’s just the impression it would leave on researchers and stakeholders globally, to show people the difference that the research funded by GACD has made in improving outcomes for diabetes prevention and control. It will bring a bigger focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the importance of its elimination and prevention.
Ekow: Well-said. Why do you think it’s crucial to empower women to pursue careers in science especially in addressing global challenges, in the context of chronic diseases?
Maisha: Throughout history, women have faced discrimination globally, fighting for rights like voting and education. Despite these challenges, I think it is crucial for women to embrace roles in male-dominated fields like science. We are intelligent, bright and skilful. So, if your interests lie in the sciences, get involved because we can do what men can do, if not better!
Especially in tackling global health challenges like the NCD work that the GACD does, the more that women are involved, the better! We can provide a unique insight into the health issues faced by other women worldwide, allowing more holistic understanding of global population health and eventually the achievement of health equity.
Ekow: Truer words were never spoken. Looking ahead, what does a future for Maisha Syed look like?
Maisha: I can see myself doing a variety of different things starting with this role with the GACD, which puts me in a good stead to move forward into research specific goals (working on diabetes or other NCDs), but also to have a hand in policy, influencing governments and creating better health systems in the future. Ideally, one day I would love to see myself working in the UN or WHO making an impactful difference in healthcare, especially on healthcare equity.
Ekow: You got me smiling widely here. To wrap up this conversation, as we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, what message would you like to convey to decision-makers or policy-makers?
Maisha: I would say to reduce bias in these fields. Whether it is during an application process in schools or just the day-to-day working life. If there could be ways to reduce bias against women, that would hugely benefit the field because we have so much to give, so much input to provide, and I feel like the bias might be overlooking some bright minds, and opportunities are going to be missed if that’s the case. Reducing bias would be a really important factor to help women excel in STEM.
Ekow: Just before you go, one fun question. What is something about you I would not find on your LinkedIn?
Maisha: Let’s see. I’m an aspiring author. I’ve always loved writing. People tend to think that being interested in science means you can’t be interested in literature and that you have to be either artsy or science-y. But I feel like there are a lot of us that fall in the category of being a jack of all trades. I would love to publish a book one day. I’m working on one right now so watch this space. Maybe it’ll show up on my LinkedIn too (laughs).
Ekow: Well, our aspiring author, and researcher, thank you so much for your time. Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It seems like a rainy week in London.
Maisha: This is London being London at its best. Thank you too for having me.