Blessed Chetachi Egbuchulam

What does public health mean to you?

To me, Public Health means taking health in all its form (accessible, affordable and adequate) with equity to the public especially those at the grassroot level.

What inspired you to study public health?

My desire to see people live above diseases first created the passion for public health. Also knowing that Public Health affords the opportunity to reach the unreached, thereby impacting lives and ensuring that people don’t become victims of diseases that can be prevented further fuels the passion.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career or studies so far?

Of the many rewarding experiences I have had, the most significant one is my experience at Africare (A Non-governmental Organization) Portharcourt, Rivers State Nigeria where I had my Industrial Training in my undergraduate days. It served as a foundation to everything I have ever achieved in my Public Health Career.

It helped in building my passion for Public Health and creating a path for my career in Public Health by exposing me to Environmental and Reproductive health challenges faced by people especially in the rural areas and the need to promote health wherever I find myself not minding the tribe, culture and language.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing public health today?

The biggest challenge facing Public Health today is the increase in misinformation and inadequate information regarding some Public Health issues as the public seems to believe that most Public Health issues are politicised. Health professionals and media houses are gradually losing the trust of the public as a result of the way health issues and interventions are being handled.

What advice would you offer someone who is thinking about a career in public health? 

To opt for a career in Public Health, you have to be passion and service driven, people oriented, and committed to rendering health services without prejudice or discrimination.