The Global Health Interview with Public Health Experts from the Massive Open Online Course on Implementation Science took place on Monday, 15th July 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Regional Training Centre for Western Pacific Region (SPM Studio), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. The session was moderated by Qjiel Giuliano Mikhl Zamora, a Youth Council Member of the UN Joint SDG Fund and a Global Health student at York University in Toronto, Canada.
Qjiel, who completed the MOOC on Implementation Research, began the session by introducing the panellists, who shared their names, affiliations, expertise, and interests.
Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, an expert in Implementation Science and the MOOC, was asked why the implementation science course was delivered online, whether she believed implementation science and research could accelerate policies for better health outcomes, and if she thought implementation science was predominantly a global health initiative.
Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh, an expert in Implementation Science and community-led initiatives for people who use drugs (PWUD), addressed the ongoing drug problem in Southeast Asia, highlighting the gaps in current policies, successful community stories, and advice for young people aspiring to work in this challenging field.
Dr Nadhir Adi Azahar, a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student conducting research on Hepatitis C, discussed ways to address stigmas around Hepatitis C, the relevance of this issue in Global Health, and advice for young scholars interested in this field, particularly regarding its clinical and technical aspects.
Finally, Gan Yan Nee, a PhD student researching HIV prevention in Malaysia and pharmacy-based PrEP, explored the stigmas associated with preventive medications for HIV, the cultural ties influencing HIV stigma in Malaysia, and offered guidance for young global health scholars interested in pursuing research on HIV.
This podcast session provided a rich platform for insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities in public health, particularly through the lens of implementation science. The panellists, each with their unique expertise, shared valuable perspectives on critical issues such as drug policies, Hepatitis C, and HIV prevention, emphasising the importance of ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement in global health initiatives. This session not only deepened participants’ understanding of these complex issues but also inspired future global health leaders to approach their work with empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to health equity. Through such meaningful exchanges, the event highlighted the transformative potential of implementation science in shaping effective and sustainable public health interventions.
This write-up was written by Mr Muhammad Haizril Arif Md Mokhtar, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
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