Alumni
Course: 2023-2024
Information management and training specialist, with a background in communication and capacity building, Daniela has worked for the past 7 years with the World Health Organization Emergency Programme (WHE) serving in Geneva, in the Philippines for COVID-19, and in Poland and Moldova for the Ukraine crisis. Daniela has been involved with the WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) initiative, where she was responsible for the coordination of information management, communication and training activities supporting the development of international emergency response mechanisms. In Moldova she is co leading the Interagency working group on Health to shape the refugee Response Plan for 2024 and the Winterization Plan. She is interacting with Moldovan Ministry of Health, UN agencies and partners to shape the response for refugees and deal with the issues of temporary and social protections for Ukrainians. Previously, she worked as knowledge manager and learning specialist for UN OCHA Geneva and for UNICEF in New York HQ. She also consulted for CRIMEDIM, a WHO Collaborating Centre where she was responsible for the instructional design and training activities (including all aspects of the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation phases) of CRIMEDIM portfolio.Daniela is also part of WHE Simulation Task Team and Learning and Capacity Building Team. In the future, she would like to specialize in eLearning and information management for health data.
“As someone who has worked in the global health arena for the World Health Organization for eight years, the comprehensive nature of the program, and its focus on collaboration with diverse experts and professors both within and outside the University, is of immense value to both my academic and professional aspirations.
Through my academic and work activities to date, I have achieved several personal objectives and experienced how international cooperation and humanitarian action can be used effectively as tools to improve global health. Through my Master studies I have achieved a solid understanding of how policies, governance, and digital communication can be utilized to ensure the sustainability of global health initiatives, and how innovation, especially in the tech sector, is bringing about positive and exciting changes in the field of global health.
Thanks to this current study program, I am acquiring advanced tools to analyze health issues and explore interlinked health determinants. I am proud that my classmates and I could brainstorm and explore, during classes, several innovative solutions that surpass borders and sectorial activities.
During my time with the WHO, I have personally experienced new applications of technology. Through a more solid information management process, I could support the coordination, data management and funding distribution of the International Emergency Medical Teams deployed during conflict. It was exciting and heartening to see that it has had a notable positive impact on vulnerable groups in Moldova and Ukraine.
On deployments, including to the Philippines for the COVID-19 response, I have noted how the successful management of a health emergency depends on the level of preparedness and readiness of the region’s health care providers.
A major lesson that I have internalized from past emergencies is that even the most qualified personnel require digital learning solutions to upgrade their skills and knowledge to equip themselves for current emergencies, and this must be accompanied by adequate operational support systems, including information management systems, reporting tools and online learning”.
My future engagement in Global Health
My vision of equitable and sustainable global health is one that fully utilizes current developments in technology, especially the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). AI presents exciting opportunities in this field for automated research and data sharing with multinational stakeholders in a secure and efficient manner, to develop global health solutions in a way that was once thought unattainable. I believe AI can also be used to spread knowledge, such as through the creation of infographics/ visuals for policymakers or online learning modules training responders quickly.
I have helped develop training material for the WHO and CRIMEDIM (Research Centre for Disaster Medicine) and I recognize how valuable it would be to provide such quality training faster.I continue to be concerned about the inequities that currently exist in global health – especially in developing countries. While virtual training and advanced technologies have the potential to widen these inequities, I see many opportunities where technology could be used for the benefit of all in global health. This has strongly motivated me to study further, to expand my knowledge and expertise.
Inspired by my vision and experience, I would like to explore the application of AI to customize training material in targeted ways, such as for hazard-specific, disaster-cycle-based, predeployment, leadership and function-specific training courses. I can envision the delivery of such training as low-bandwidth, open online courses, reaching millions of responders regardless of their geographical locations, enhancing the knowledge and skills of health professionals and policy makers around the world.
I have a deep-seated belief that health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for societal development. The prospects and opportunities of continued work in the global health field excite me because I know that I can truly make a difference. The coursework in this Master of Global Health, particularly the sessions related to global health challenges, digital health, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from a multidisciplinary perspective, are invaluable as I work to help health professionals and policymakers enhance their skills through learning and knowledge sharing and realize my vision of equitable and sustainable health for all.