Dr. Rashidatu Fouad Kamara: “African women can excel and lead in spaces where we have historically been underrepresented, including biomedical and humanitarian research”

Madrid, October 30th, 2025 — Yesterday, the Learn Africa team proudly accompanied Rashidatu Fouad Kamara, recipient of a PhD scholarship through the Learn Africa program, as she defended her doctoral thesis at Rey Juan Carlos University.

Her research, “Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Sierra Leone,” addresses one of the most urgent public health challenges in West Africa. We took this opportunity to speak with her about her journey, her work, and the impact she hopes to make.

To start, could you tell us what motivated you to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health?

I was drawn to public health because it allows me to address health challenges at scale. I am passionate about generating evidence to inform interventions that protect communities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Epidemiology provides the methodology to understand disease patterns and measure impact, which inspired me to pursue a PhD to create tangible, lasting change.

You mentioned in your application that Sierra Leone faces serious public health challenges. How would you describe the current situation, and what are the most urgent needs in your view?

Sierra Leone faces ongoing public health challenges, including the current mpox outbreak, alongside past crises like Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19, which have strained the health system. The most urgent needs are a stronger health workforce, better infrastructure and supplies, and sustainable policies to ensure consistent, equitable healthcare. Strengthening these areas will improve outbreak response and build long-term resilience.

Your research focuses on drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Why did you decide to focus on this issue, and what have you discovered so far through your work?

I focused on drug-resistant TB because treatment recently began in Sierra Leone, and as the clinician in charge, I wanted to address gaps affecting patient outcomes. Our study identified untreated HIV, chronic lung disease, and severe underweight as key predictors of poor prognosis. These findings underscore the need to integrate HIV care, NCD management, and nutritional support into MDR-TB programs to improve survival and treatment success.

What are the main challenges of working on DR-TB in Sierra Leone — both as a clinician and as a researcher?

Working on DR-TB in Sierra Leone is challenging due to stigma of the disease, a largely economically vulnerable patient population, rising HIV co-infection, and a donor-driven program that makes sustainability difficult. These factors complicate both patient care and research, highlighting the need for integrated, long-term solutions.

Could you tell us about how community engagement can help prevent and control infectious diseases?

Community engagement is critical for preventing and controlling infectious diseases, especially in contexts like Sierra Leone, where a large portion of the population has limited literacy and low awareness of diseases such as TB. By actively involving communities, we can raise awareness about symptoms, transmission, and prevention, and encourage timely health- seeking behavior.

I believe this research has the potential to significantly inform both health policy and patient outcomes in Sierra Leone. By identifying the key predictors of poor treatment outcomes in MDR-TB, such as untreated HIV, chronic lung disease, and severe underweight our findings provide evidence for integrated, patient-centered interventions.

For policymakers, this means designing programs that combine TB treatment with HIV care, nutritional support, and management of non-communicable diseases, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. For patients and communities, this research can improve treatment success, reduce mortality, and enhance overall quality of life. Ultimately, the study supports building a more resilient, responsive health system capable of addressing MDR-TB and other infectious diseases more effectively.

You received a scholarship for your PHD thanks to the Learn Africa program. How did the support from Fundación Mujeres por África contribute to your academic and professional development during your PhD journey?

I am truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the support from Fundación Mujeres por África through the Learn Africa program. This opportunity has been transformative for both my academic and professional development during my PhD journey. Balancing work, family, and academic commitments was challenging, with moments of doubt along the way. Yet, standing here today as the first female to defend a thesis within the Humanitarian Medicine Chair at URJC under the Women for Africa Foundation Fellowship is both an honor and a profound responsibility.

Given you own experience, ¿what is the impact of scholarship opportunities specifically for African women?

Scholarship opportunities for African women are truly transformative — they open doors that many of us might never have had access to otherwise. These programs do more than fund education; they empower women to lead, innovate, and shape the future of science, health, and development in their countries and beyond.

For me, this milestone is both personal and symbolic. It demonstrates that, with the right support and perseverance, African women can excel and lead in spaces where we have historically been underrepresented, including biomedical and humanitarian research. I hope my journey shows that when we invest in women’s education, we’re not just supporting individuals — we’re uplifting entire communities and inspiring the next generation of female leaders to break barriers and drive meaningful change.

What message would you give to other young African women who want to pursue a career in science and research?

My message to young African women who aspire to pursue careers in science and research is simple: believe in your potential and start where you are. The journey will not always be easy as there will be challenges, moments of doubt, and times when the path seems unclear, but perseverance, curiosity, and courage will take you far.

Science and research need your voices, your perspectives, and your leadership. Don’t be afraid to take up space in fields where women are still underrepresented. Seek mentors, build networks of support, and continue learning. Every step you take opens the door wider for those coming after you.

Remember, you are not just pursuing a career, you are contributing to knowledge, to change, and to the future of Africa

Finally, how do you see the future of public health in Sierra Leone and across Africa? Are you optimistic about the next generation of African scientists and health professionals?

I am very optimistic about the future of public health in Sierra Leone and across Africa. We are witnessing a new generation of scientists and health professionals who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to solving Africa’s health challenges through innovation, evidence, and collaboration.

In Sierra Leone, the lessons learned from past outbreaks including Ebola, COVID-19, and now mpox have strengthened our resilience and underscored the importance of strong health systems, local research capacity, and community engagement. Across the continent, there is a growing recognition that African-led solutions are key to sustainable public health progress.

With the right investments in education, research infrastructure, and mentorship, I believe the next generation will not only respond to public health crises but also lead in shaping global health priorities. The future of Africa’s public health is bright and it will be defined by innovation, leadership, and equity.