Daisy Mpando

MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine, 2022

I am a young professional who is on a mission to improve management and coordination of cervical cancer services in order to reduce related mortality in low income countries such as Malawi. I worked as a Social Worker with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in a cervical cancer clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital for three years where I gained insight into the gaps in the delivery and management of existing services. These deficiencies have led to devastating physical, mental and social consequences. As a result, I have become motivated to take action by studying for an MSc in International health and Tropical Medicine at Oxford where I will gain the necessary competencies to help improve the situation in Malawi.

During my time with MSF, I established the first patient support group for patients on chemotherapy, developed a peer support program, and created a patients’ rights charter which were all aimed at improving the psychosocial conditions of patients.

Outside of Public health, I am interested in development; particularly the intersections of health and development. In my free time I can be found listening to music, playing board games with some friends or watching what is described as ‘Trash TV’.

Contact: daisy.mpando@gtc.ox.ac.uk