[Testimonial] Mariam Seynou, awarded with a travel scholarship by the Pasteur Foundation Asia

Mariam Seynou is a medical doctor working at Nouna Health Research Center in Burkina Faso. She is one of the trainees for the 2018 International Workshop co-organized by HKU-Pasteur in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mariam as been awarded with a travel scholarship by the Pasteur Foundation Asia.

Who are you?

My name is Mariam Seynou, I am a medical doctor working at Nouna Health Research Center, a governmental research center in my country, Burkina Faso in West Africa.

What is your training background?

I am a medical graduate from Ouagadougou University. I am currently enrolled in a PhD program in epidemiology at Heidelberg Global Health Institute of Heidelberg University in Germany

Why did you go to Heidelberg for your studies?

I am interested in Infectious diseases especially in viral hepatitis B. University of Heidelberg is one of the best in the world and I have gotten the opportunity to study there for the Institute of Global Health of Heidelberg University cooperate with my country since more than 3 years.

Why did you want to attend this workshop?

I am doing my thesis on viral hepatitis B, I wanted to attend this workshop to update my knowledge on the topic and to better apprehend viral hepatitis surveillance. I need also to enhance my skills in proposing a solid program to fight against this disease in my country.

Will you recommend this training program on public health with the Pasteur Network to your colleagues?

Yes, I will strongly recommend this program on public health with the Pasteur Network to my colleague because I have learned what I was expecting, and this workshop have created network between all participants.

How can this workshop contribute to your professional training?

This workshop is a solid element in my background as a Medical Doctor and I will use my knowledge in my daily hospital activities. I am working in Health Research Center and my institution can use my skills and competences to propose its contribution in the planning of our national strategy to combat viral hepatitis

What are your plans for the near future?

After graduation, I am planning to extend my research on various aspects of Hepatitis B epidemiology and control across my country.

Mariam Seynou (center) with fellow trainees Sayamon Hongjaisee (left) and Pra-ornsuda Sukrakanchana (right) during the Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Elimination of Viral Hepatitis workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (learn more).