London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Educational/professional background

I am a Health Policy and Nutrition Consultant working with both public and private sectors. I hold a bachelor‘s degree in Nutrition from the American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and a master’s degree in Nutrition specialising in Obesity Management from the University of Glasgow (UK). Along with my experience in research in nutrition, I have worked extensively in the private sector to support the food industry to innovate healthier food choices, address different policies and regulations, and have an agenda aligned with the governmental needs in the Middle East.

Research interests or career goals

I have always been interested in addressing obesity and associated non-communicable diseases through multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approaches. I am passionate about driving the relevant policies to address such global health issues at different levels. I have recently developed a particular interest in the food system and its contribution to climate change, along with the interlinkage between public health and climate change. Therefore, I am currently undergoing my thesis project on the enablers of food system sustainability in a particular country.

Why I chose LSHTM/my programme

I chose LSHTM because it is the top institution in public and global health and is highly respected. It is also widely known for its well-established distance learning programs, given that I wanted to have my own pace of completing the course. I selected the MSc Global Health Policy because I wanted to gain knowledge in policies around key global health issues so that I can contribute to the development of specific responses to issues of interest to me. I want to shape the agenda and drive policies that enable the availability of healthier and more sustainable foods in the region to improve public health and mitigate climate change.