Alessandro Berti

Course: 2023-2024

I am a medical doctor currently in my third year of a public health residency at the University of Milan. My path in public health was influenced by my experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the significance of disease prevention and health resilience. I hold a significant concern for climate change and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Currently, I am involved in two task forces: one addressing gender equality in healthcare, and the other focusing on the relationship between the environment and health.

“Throughout the program, I have gained proficiency in methodologies and tools essential for public health and development projects. This includes applying decision-making tools and developing effective communication skills through crafting policy and strategic memos. In the policy realm, I’ve acquired essential knowledge in advocacy, communication, and science dissemination. Additionally, I can confidently apply Monitoring and Evaluation concepts, analyze burden of disease and risk factor data, and make informed policy choices in diverse settings. In the research domain, I’ve developed skills in statistical inference, critical literature reading, and evaluating the implementation of health interventions through an integrated approach.
The multidisciplinary and multisectoral nature of global health is evident in the diverse backgrounds of my colleagues and the comprehensive curriculum of this course. This diversity allows for a constantly evolving perspective, a valuable aspect in the global health arena.
My interest in health equity, particularly concerning gender and minority issues, has been a consistent theme during my residency in public health. The MGH course has provided a pragmatic view, emphasizing the importance of policies being not only evidence-based but also “doable, sustainable, cost-effective, and fair.” Furthermore, it has added an economic perspective to my skill set, from understanding resource mobilization to comprehending the multitude of stakeholders involved in global health.
The opportunity to work with the DOPASI Foundation in Pakistan is particularly gratifying, as field experiences are crucial. I believe that they exemplify virtuous practices from which I can learn a great deal.

Addressing environmental determinants is vital, especially considering that almost a quarter of the burden of disease is attributed to them. Climate change disproportionately affects low and low-middle-income countries, leading to the concept of climate justice.

Contributing positively to the DOPASI Foundation, engaged in addressing water crises during recent floods in Pakistan, aligns with my commitment to health equity”.

My future engagement in Global Health

My engagement with global health remains anchored in the concept of planetary health, stressing the link between human systems and Earth’s natural systems. Studying environmental determinants of health and the impact of extreme climatic events is a future goal. The imminent challenges of preparedness and resilience building in the face of climate emergencies drive my interest. Planning a research period at the Karolinska Institutet aims to refine my skills in this area, with the hope of combining this experience with the ongoing work in Pakistan.

Having engaged in discussions with credible fictitious Health Ministers, whether in memoranda or mid-term evaluations of hypothetical tuberculosis programs, I am convinced that working in the realm of policy is my calling. Echoing the OECD’s slogan, “Better policies for better lives,” I believe that impactful policies, rooted in evidence, can lead to improved lives. I intend to bridge the worlds of research and policy, starting with a topic close to my heart, with the aspiration of making a positive impact in the future.