QSN 1

I am interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health in the University of Edinburgh,

one of the leading global universities in health care and Agriculture. I am a practising
Nutritionist and Dietitian and severally, I’m involved in community outreach
activities and management of nutritional cases at the field and in the hospital set up.
While at work in both fields, I have come across some conditions and diseases quite
common among my clients which could be completely prevented if the recommended
primary health care intervention had been done at the community level. For instance,
diarrheal and other gastrointestinal conditions which are quite common among
children have been of great concern to me during my clinical nutrition practice. These
conditions are highly preventable with proper sanitation, health education and
creation of awareness among community members. On the other hand, Malaria,
pneumonia, tuberculosis, worm infestation, jigger infestation, food-borne illnesses
and some lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise among my
community members and the general population. Majority of these problems rise as a
result of limited awareness on how to handle public health concerns. Being a
Nutritionist, these experiences spurred my quest for public health knowledge to help
address these problems in collaboration with professionals in other health care cadres.

It goes without doubt that Nutrition works in tandem with public health as they are
part of part of primary healthcare. I consider highly desirable for nutritionists to
advance their skills in public health in order to bring the niche of preventive health
care, food security, One Health and public well-being especially in developing
countries like Kenya. It pains me greatly to see children suffer from preventable
conditions like diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition and even in unfortunate
situations succumb to them. With such firsthand experience, this Masters program in
public health offer perfect opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge, skills and
attitude on how to address these public health issues therefore improving the quality
of life of the general public.
I am passionate about delving into the public health field, and besides improving my
knowledge and skills, research on causal agents of some diseases, their prevalence,
incidences, surveillance and mitigation measures on a global perspective.
Additionally, I am more motivated to undertake this master program by the members
of public and school going pupils and students who are really zealous on attaining
knowledge pertaining preventive health. Severally, I educate them on importance of a
dietary diversification, benefits of immunization, family planning, and observing high
standards of hygiene/sanitation. The education has really improved their health
seeking behaviour and in turn their health outcomes. This has greatly motivated me to
improve my knowledge do more awareness, education and counselling, which I
believe will be well accounted for in the field of public health.
The skills acquired from this master program, will also help me advance my career,
contribute to appropriate policy development and mentor young generations to
advance their careers in the health sector. Ultimately, contribute to building a healthy
and productive nation that indirectly improve household economy as a result of
improved primary health care.

QN:2
I am a qualified Nutritionist and Dietitian registered and licensed to practice by the
Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute (KNDI). I have undergone an
undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics in the
University of Nairobi, Kenya. During my four-year study I acquired great knowledge,
skills and competencies in the field of nutrition, a critical health cadre. These skills
include; the basics of any health care practice that’s Human Anatomy and Physiology,
Human Nutrition, Biotechnology, Epidemiology, Dietetics, Psychology,
Pharmacology, Toxicology, Nutrition Education, Counselling, Leadership,
Entrepreneurship, Research and Proposal writing, Primary Health Care, Agricultural
Production and Sustainability, Food Security and Meal Planning. These units lay a
strong foundation for me to pursue this Master Program in Public Health.
I have undergone three clinical practicum sessions which has helped me gain hands
on experience and skills in the hospital setting. It has also instilled in me
competences of professionalism, evidence based practice, positive attitude at work,
good time management, confidentiality of clients details, computer literacy skills,
proper documentation of health data and infection, prevention and control.
Besides, I have been through a one year clinical nutrition internship programme and
also attended short term training on first aid, project management and monitoring and
evaluation. These competencies put me in a clear position to pursue my passion in
public health and contribute to an healthy society. During and after completion of the
masters program, I aim to contribute in a big way to my nation’s healthcare goal of
keeping communities healthy and safe by having a universal health coverage. With
adequate education from the field of public health, I will be able to improve the well
being of the general population through education, awareness, policy improvement
and research. Finally, I intent to achieve my long term career goal of having a healthy
people, a productive nation and eventually a vibrant national economy. What a win
for me and my nation Kenya.