Healthcare is increasingly becoming a data-driven field, yet many of the opportunities to use data to improve health systems remain underdeveloped in Sierra Leone and across much of Africa. Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful to be pursuing an MSc in Health Data Science at the University of St Andrews through the Commonwealth Scholarship.
The programme sits at the intersection of healthcare and data science, with training in health data analysis, machine learning, biomedical imaging, and digital health. I’m super excited to learn how these modules can be applied to real-world healthcare challenges, while also understanding the governance and ethical considerations around health data.
This opportunity aligns closely with the work I have already been doing in health informatics, AI, and evidence systems, and with my long-term goal of contributing to stronger, data-driven health systems in Sierra Leone. I hope to bring the knowledge and skills I gain back to the work we are already doing at IfD and help build solutions relevant to our context.
None of this would be possible without the guidance and support of some incredible people. A lot of thanks and gratitude to @dsengeh and @BPbannerman for their continued mentorship, support and belief in me over the years. I can proudly say they’re the best mentors in the world.
Massive thanks to my boss @Mdyillah and the entire team at @ifd_sl . Regina has consistently pushed me to grow, challenged me to think bigger and supported my development. I remain incredibly grateful to have a boss who genuinely wants to see her staff succeed.
Special thanks to my former lecturers @OkraforNelson, @Tommykomba and @FrancisFmanna, and to @MGM_BLVCK and @FulaFeminist, both Chevening alumni, for their guidance and encouragement at different points along the way. And, of course, to the homies and day ones who have continued to be in my corner.
This journey has taken longer and been more complicated than I imagined, but Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue this path. From my early interest in Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering to where I am today, the goal has always been to use technology, and science to solve problems that matter. I’m excited for this next chapter at St Andrews and for what lies ahead.
Hey folks on this blue app🤩 Lemme reintroduce my self please, meet Dr Abdul Karim Sununu Bah🩺🥳. Here is the end to a race and the beginning of another journey. Mission accomplished!#SaloneTwitter#MedTwitter#graduation#doctor#globalhealth