London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

What keeps you going day by day?

My faith and the aspiration to continuously improve keeps me going day by day. Each night, before going to bed, I reflect on whether I have given my all and utilized the resources available to achieve my larger goals. I find that maintaining a to-do list helps me review my daily progress effectively. It allows me to track my accomplishments and identify areas for improvement on a regular basis.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw inspiration from various sources in my life. In my early years, my dad and elder brother were significant inspirations. Today, my wife, daughter, and son continue to motivate me to strive for excellence in my work. On a broader level, football serves as a great source of inspiration. Watching premier league games every weekend teaches me valuable life lessons, such as staying calm under pressure, continuous self-improvement, and recognizing the importance of our own actions rather than focusing solely on the actions of others. This diverse range of inspirations keeps me motivated and committed to being the best version of myself in all aspects of life.

What are you most excited about being able to investigate more closely in your new fellowship?

I am thrilled to have received the prestigious Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). This award provides a remarkable opportunity to utilize detailed longitudinal data for identifying the specific spatial locations with pockets of Zero-dose children. In countries like the Gambia, where overall vaccination coverage is high, there is a risk of overlooking this vulnerable group of children. I am genuinely excited about the potential impact of my research in addressing this critical issue.