This International Women’s Day, Public Health U (PHU) proudly recognizes and celebrates the incredible contributions of women in public health, who are breaking barriers, shaping communities, and driving change. At PHU, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and are committed to empowering future public health leaders. In this special feature, we highlight the journeys of two of our outstanding Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates, Maryam Musa and Majidah Hamid Adiamoh, who are making a meaningful impact in their fields. Their stories exemplify resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to creating lasting change.
Background & Motivation
Public health professionals come from diverse backgrounds, but many share a common drive to prevent disease, improve health outcomes, and create lasting change. Our graduates reflect on what inspired them to step into this field, the challenges they would have faced, and why they would have chosen PHU.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in public health?
Maryam Musa
“I began my career as a physician, which was a deeply fulfilling experience as I had the opportunity to care for the ill. However, what inspired me to pursue a career in public health was the ability to engage in programs and initiatives focused on disease prevention and improving quality of life. Public health allows me to contribute to policies and interventions that not only prevent illness but also enhance the social and mental well-being of communities.”
Majidah Hamid AdiamohI
“I am a vector biologist with a strong background in molecular genetics of mosquito vectors. I hold a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens and am currently concluding my first postdoctoral fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine, USA. I have also recently completed my MPH at PHU. My research primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mosquito resistance to insecticides and developing novel insecticides for mosquito control. My interest in public health was sparked in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when I realized the critical role of collaborative efforts between research scientists and public health professionals in responding to the crisis.”
Q: What challenges did you face as a woman in your journey to becoming a public health professional, and how did you overcome them?
Maryam Musa
“The dissertation period tested my resilience, forcing me to step outside my comfort zone. At times, the task felt insurmountable, but I reminded myself never to give up. I embraced failure as a learning opportunity and stayed focused on the bigger picture. If you ever feel like quitting, remind yourself of what you could be missing if you walk away. Effective time management, completing assignments ahead of deadlines, and making the most of every moment were key to overcoming these challenges and achieving my goal.”
Majidah Hamid AdiamohI
“I am just beginning this journey and anticipate challenges such as limited access to mentorship from fellow women due to the underrepresentation of women in this field, integrating and building strong sustainable relationships with stakeholders, and navigating the complexities of its multi-sectoral nature, including the associated politics. Moreover, work-life balance is already a significant challenge in my laboratory work and is likely to be a recurring challenge in this field. I hope to overcome these challenges by remaining resilient, seeking support when needed, and staying committed to my goals and aspirations in public health.”
Q: Why did you choose PHU for your MPH, and how did it shape your career path?
Maryam Musa
“I chose PHU because it offers high-quality education at an affordable rate, with the flexibility of online learning. Earning a master’s in public health was instrumental in my transition from clinical practice to public health. The timing was perfect, as I was able to apply the knowledge I was gaining in real-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This practical application is one of the greatest benefits of adult education—it allows you to immediately implement what you learn in real-world settings.”
Majidah Hamid AdiamohI
“I was introduced to PHU, which offers an incredible and commendable incentive that supports students like me from LMIC countries, allowing us to pay only an administrative fee of less than $100 per semester. This was a huge breakthrough for me. Also, PHU provides comprehensive coverage for its MPH program, which is quite outstanding. My experience pursuing my MPH at this university has been impressive and is shaping my career as desired: translating scientific research into practical applications to improve public health.”
Driving Change in Communities
Public health is about action, identifying needs, creating solutions, and implementing programs that make a tangible difference. Our graduates discuss their current work and how they are driving change in the communities they serve.
Q: What public health issue are you currently working on, and what impact has your work had so far?
Maryam Musa
“I recently launched The Heartbreak Puzzle, a brand that reflects the emotional journey of healing and resilience. The brand is rooted in giving back, with a strong focus on supporting girls' education and promoting mental health. I believe in nurturing emotionally resilient and confident girls through tailored education that teaches self-love and self-respect. Additionally, I advocate for mothers to take proactive steps in supporting their children, especially those exhibiting bullying behaviors, to break the cycle of violence.”
Majidah Hamid AdiamohI
“I am currently working on controlling mosquito vectors, which are responsible for several deadly diseases worldwide. My research on insecticide resistance has provided a better understanding of the mechanisms and spread of resistance, particularly in Anopheles gambiae, the primary vector of malaria. In my postdoctoral research, I am expanding my work to include the development of eco-friendly pesticides for the control of mosquito vectors and other pests of public health importance. These pesticides have the potential to combat insecticide resistance, which is currently affecting the effectiveness of pest control efforts. As a result, my work will have a significant impact on reducing the burden of diseases transmitted by these vectors.”
Women in Public Health & Leadership: Inspiring the Next Generation
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is essential to recognize the role of women in shaping public health policies and initiatives. Our graduates share their thoughts on making an impact in this field.
Q: As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message do you have for women who aspire to make a difference in public health?
Maryam Musa
“Making a difference starts with identifying a gap, advocating for change, and using your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up against injustice—if you hesitate to stand up for what’s right, you become part of the problem. True fulfillment comes from giving back to the community and working toward meaningful change. My goal is to create lasting impact by supporting girls' education—one of the key social determinants of health. When girls are empowered, they make informed decisions that positively affect their lives, families, communities, and society as a whole.”
Majidah Hamid AdiamohI
“To my colleagues, let’s celebrate our incredible dedication and passion for making the world healthier for everyone. Let’s continue breaking barriers and live the dream of making a difference in public health! I aspire to continue engaging in research that addresses health challenges in LMICs. I also hope to participate in global health initiatives that will significantly improve the health of the sub-Saharan African population. ”
Conclusion
At PHU, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers public health professionals worldwide through our Master’s in Public Health, Master’s of Education for Health Professionals, and Ph.D in Global Health Programs. Through these programs, we hope to inspire, educate, and empower more women to take leadership roles in public health, education, and global health initiatives. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the incredible MPH graduates featured in this blog but also all women in public health who are shaping a healthier and more equitable world.
Reisha Narine
Author
