Profile: Nkem J Okafor
Nkem J Okafor from Nigeria studied the MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing
"While in medical school, in Nigeria, I was heavily involved in advocacy programs regarding problems associated with adolescent health. After graduating I worked as a medical house officer for over a year.
My experiences left me with an increasing need to better understand policies that influence the lives of the young and old in both the hospital setting and community. I also needed to understand better the economics behind policy decisions and how best to improve health care delivery especially for the vulnerable in society.
On my mother's advice I obtained the LSHTM prospectus. The course Health Policy, Planning & Financing seemed tailor made for me. The uniqueness of its joint nature with LSE, appealed to me greatly as well as the seemingly endless options of deciding which units to take. Attending LSHTM, proved a worthwhile and fulfilling investment.
The international mix of the School provided a wealth of experience and opportunities that I would not have witnessed anywhere else. The limitless accessibility of the School's facilities at any time of the day or night as well as the support of the staff was truly outstanding.
The constant stimulation of debate surrounding policy issues that are set by International health bodies which influence the lives of millions in the developing world deeply challenged my beliefs. I began to learn how to think critically and to question overt and covert motives behind health policy issues. What delighted me the most during the course was discovering that challenges faced by my country were equally being experienced in more developed nations. The myth that any country in the world had a 'perfect' system of delivering health care, was thankfully dispelled. The diversity of my classmates helped to enrich my knowledge of a myriad of problems faced by both developed and developing countries and how best to effectively implement practical solutions.
During my time at LSHTM, I was awarded the Special Overseas Scholarship by the Nigerian Government, this further made the year I spent at the school truly memorable. The knowledge gained at the LSHTM will add immense value to further post graduate training in America."
Jasper James Chen and Yogesh Rajkotia also studied this course
