Hannah Simba Zimbabwe 2020 Grantee South Africa Program PhD Candidate Public Health from University of Stellenbosch
Hannah brings a strong multidisciplinary background in biology and environmental studies to her current and planned research into the etiology of cancers that have a severe impact on women and children in Africa. Simba realized early the crucial role of mentoring and guidance for African girls, if they are to realize their potential. For eight years she has been an energetic leader and participant in empowerment activities for high school girls through STEM tutoring in schools, and organizing girls’ camps and workshops focused on programming and reproductive health. She has managed to reach hundreds of girls, and has trained around 20 university students as mentors, working as Chapter Leader in WAAW (Working to Advance STEM education for African Girls), as well as through an organization she co-founded.
Hannah writes, “My passion goes beyond just being a research scientist as I also feel I have an obligation to give back to the community. One of the main problems pertaining health in Sub Saharan Africa is the lack of diagnostic laboratories in rural communities. This has major implications because diagnosis is essential in the prevention and treatment of diseases and hence people die from causes that could and should have been prevented. I aim therefore to start at least one diagnostic laboratory in a remote rural area in the course of my career. This is something that is really close to my heart.”
Publications: Simba, Hannah, et.al., Systematic Review of Genetic Factors in the Etiology of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in African Populations, August 2019, Frontiers in Genetics 10, DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00642
Tagged: Stellenbosch, Zimbabwe, Cancer, Epidemiology
