Goals Statement - University of Tennessee

I am applying for a Master’s degree in Public Health- Epidemiology because I want to obtain
advanced training in quantitative research, epidemiology and statistics so that I can contribute to
formulation of interventions to address global health challenges in my country Malawi.
When I was a child, I always wanted to be a doctor but as I was growing up, I experienced the
devastation of both communicable and non-communicable diseases all around me due to
ineffective or absent public healthcare policies, lack of access to preventative health services and
education, or quality, compassionate care which makes people to grips with treatable and
avoidable conditions. I was born and grew up; in a poverty-stricken rural and very isolated area
named Nsaru in Lilongwe in Malawi. This made to wish if I could prevent disease occurrence
through preventive medicine. This is the main reason why I opted to study Bachelor of Science
in Environmental Health at University of Malawi. During my studies, I developed passion for the
field of Epidemiology as I realized that Epidemiology forms an essential component of Public
Health as it establishes disease determinants and causation.
Environmental health combines the public health sciences of bio-statistics, environmental health
and epidemiology with natural sciences, mathematics and engineering to supply a quantitative
basis to determine and mitigate the consequences of environmental stressors on human health
hence this has given me the academic experience I need to enroll in the program of Master’s in
Public Health since I already have the understanding of the core concepts of program.
I have worked as a project officer for Maternal, New born and Child Health at World Vision
Malawi, an international charity helping “most vulnerable children overcome poverty and
experience fullness of life”, in a rural area. Working at World Vision Malawi instilled in me
skills and experience required for this program as the job involved leading the planning,
organization/facilitation and implementation of all HIV/AIDS, health and nutrition interventions
in a resources limited setting. Undertaking this position, I witnessed conditions like malnutrition
and diseases like malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia claiming lives of especially children and
worsened by the preponderance of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and increasing burden non
communicable diseases among adults in rural populations. This has made me want to pursue a
Master’s in Public Health-Epidemiology so as to make a more effective contribution to combat
these diseases and conditions through quantitative research to establish disease causation and
determinants so as to develop key interventions.
As an Associate Lecturer for Public Health and Epidemiology at Lilongwe University of

Agriculture and Natural Resources, I have contributed to health research carried out our
department. This has helped me with skills to analyze different types of key public health and
medical data. In addition, I have gained skills formulating mathematical models and making
predictions for diseases with no known treatment as it is not possible to collect data to compare
possible management strategies. Furthermore, I have gained a better understanding and
knowledge of public health as I am actively involved in teaching students. I have also conducted
different community outreach activities on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This has
helped to connect community leaders with public health decision makers.
Undertaking a Master’s degree study at University of Tennessee, a University which has

maintained a top tier ranking of a public research University in the USA will certainly set me
apart as an outstanding future researcher and innovator in the field of public health in a low-
income country, Malawi. The University is also highly committed to financial support, academic
excellence and student success which will eventually meet my needs as an international student.
A Master’s in Public Health-Epidemiology at the University of Tennessee is the perfect course

for my needs and interests, since it provides a combination of biostatistics and analytical skills,
health policy analysis, and epidemiology and outbreak rapid response training. The award will
enhance my quantitative and qualitative research skills in field of public health which will build
my capacity to critically appraise evidence in global health; skills and practical experience in
researching specific health problems in resource-limited contexts like Malawi.
The internship placement of epidemiology students sets this program apart as it will equip me
fully in quantitative skills, project appraisal, in-depth problem solving skills and implementation
skills I will direct mentorship from a practicing epidemiologist or data analyst. During the
internship, I also hope to get connected to a network of public health leaders and receive
mentorship hence increasing my competence in dealing with global health unique challenges of
the developing and emerging economies. Working at international health organizations during
the program will earn me an everlasting network for future collaborations.
Malawi has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world with 12% of adult population
(15-49) living with HIV of which 79 % are on anti-retro viral therapy. Non-communicable
diseases account for 40% of deaths in Malawi. The burden of non-communicable diseases among
HIV/AIDS patients is often increased by anti-retroviral therapy. This has ignited my long term
goal which is to study for a PhD in Epidemiology and become an independent investigator
focusing on novel, cost- effective strategies for the detection and control of the most common
non-communicable diseases among HIV/AIDS patients. I believe this will eventually enable me
to become a renown Professor of Epidemiology in my country, Malawi so that I contribute to
goal 3 of Malawi Agenda 2063 which is ensure that citizens are healthy and well-nourished
through research. As part of my community outreach, I wish to establish a non-profit
organization called “Good Hope” in the rural areas of my country Malawi that will aim to
address the burden of non-communicable diseases among HIV/AIDS patients.
I therefore believe my academic; work and research skills make me an excellent candidate for
the Master’s in Public Health- Epidemiology at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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Goals Statement - University of Tennessee

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I am applying for a Master’s degree in Public Health- Epidemiology because I want to obtain

As an Associate Lecturer for Public Health and Epidemiology at Lilongwe University of

Undertaking a Master’s degree study at University of Tennessee, a University which has

A Master’s in Public Health-Epidemiology at the University of Tennessee is the perfect course

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