London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

LSHTM Scholar Neema Kailembo, MSc Health Data Science   

What motivated you to pursue your current studies?

I was just a year old when I lost my father to a heart attack. This later inspired me to explore cardiovascular diseases and their interaction with infectious diseases, especially malaria, to improve care in underserved communities.

How did you feel when you learned you had received the scholarship?

I was overwhelmed with joy. After reluctantly having to turn down offers of partial funding from other institutions, receiving full funding at LSHTM felt like a life-changing breakthrough.

What challenges have you overcome on your journey so far?

I faced repeated rejections, financial barriers, and limited government support. After four years of applications, I persisted through it all with support from mentors until I secured this scholarship.

I also applied to highly competitive scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth, investing time and emotional energy into writing multiple essays and gathering references. I often worried that people around me would grow tired of constantly supporting my applications.

Has this scholarship changed your outlook?

Yes, it strengthened my desire to give back. I now lead cardiovascular research projects in Tanzania, and I plan to pursue a PhD to continue impacting global health.

“This intersection of cardiology and infectious disease, combined with the power of data science, is where I believe I can make the most impact.”

Neema Kailembo

What is your message to donors who support the LSHTM Scholarship Fund

Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, and your belief in people like me. You are not just donors; you are life changers.

This was my fifth attempt. I was ready to give up. Had this scholarship not come through, I might have turned away from research entirely. The cohorts I’m leading, the students I’m mentoring, the future patients who might benefit from my research, all of that might never have existed. 

LSHTM Scholar Sheefat Sabnam, MSc Reproductive & Sexual Health Research

What inspired you to pursue your current studies?

As a medical intern in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh-Dhaka Medical College Hospital, witnessing preventable maternal and child deaths was deeply frustrating and distressing. After that, working with Rohingya refugees during COVID-19 strengthened my commitment to equitable reproductive healthcare and inspired me to advocate for changes to improve care and save lives.

How did you feel when you learned you had received the scholarship?

It was truly life-changing. The scholarship removed financial barriers, allowing me to focus completely on learning and fully realising my potential.

What challenges have you overcome on your journey so far?

This journey has challenged me to adapt in crisis settings, strengthen my skills, and stay committed to health equity. It has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to real-world impact and join the global mission for change.

What makes you proud to be an LSHTM scholar?

Being an LSHTM scholar gives me the knowledge, tools, and confidence to transform sexual and reproductive health challenges into meaningful opportunities and improve care for communities worldwide.

“I felt deeply honoured, grateful, and relieved knowing someone believed in my mission.” 

Sheefat Sabnam

What impact will your studies have on you and the communities you work with?

This scholarship has broadened my vision and strengthened my commitment to improving health systems. It enables me to design effective policies and training that expand access to quality healthcare in underserved communities worldwide.

What would you say to the donors who support the LSHTM Scholarship Fund?

Thank you for investing in accessible education and supporting work that prioritises dignity and equity in global health. Your generosity empowers committed professionals like me to drive lasting improvements in health and well-being for the communities we serve.

Find out how you can transform lives through the LSHTM Scholarship Fund.