Kantegger

Starting college, I spent two years assisting in laboratory research. I believed, as many do, that cutting-edge technology, including advances in medicine and the study of specific microorganisms, could be instrumental in combating zoonoses, diseases that pose severe threats to the farming industry. However, my perspective was significantly altered when I started working with Dr. Jane Smith, an animal welfare expert.

Dr. Smith introduced me to the concept of viewing animal health issues through a dual lens of science and societal implications. I recall being taken aback when she expressed preference for a seemingly dirty, disorganized pig farm known as Springbrook, which was laden with straw, over the modern, well-managed Fairview pig farm. She enlightened me to the fact that straw is a highly effective component of animal welfare assessment, as it makes the pigs feel more comfortable and natural in their pens. Furthermore, it serves as a form of supplementary nutrition, helping to reduce conflicts among the pigs.

Within a year, the health status of animals at both farms had improved markedly, yet, the rampant misuse of antibiotics in the country remained a cause for concern. This issue, deeply intertwined with human health, was highlighted in the Global Animal Protection’s Pork Consumption Survey. It revealed that while over 75% of consumers were willing to pay more for animal welfare products, only about 39.15% viewed animal health as a top priority. These findings triggered a series of questions in my mind: Why do only one-third of people in metropolitan cities in my country regard animal health as crucial as human health? How can citizens understand the health interconnection between humans and animals? Are there any measures in place to control the potential damage?

Motivated by these questions, I am seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of health beyond just medical or scientific perspectives. This has prompted my application for the MSc Global Health and Development programme at your esteemed university. I am eager to delve deeper into how health intersects with policy, economics, and collaboration with governmental bodies and industry sectors.

My prior work experience with the NGO, Global Animal Protection, has allowed me to apply the ‘One Health’ concept alongside a team of experts in my country. One of our primary responsibilities was improving awareness and understanding of animal welfare through effective communication. This role included communicating intricate improvements in pen layout to farm managers and documenting the changes and advancements in animal welfare over the course of our project. The satisfaction of witnessing concrete improvements, coupled with our successful advocacy leading to the establishment of the first General Principles of animal welfare evaluation in my country, has strengthened my resolve to continue my career within an NGO.

The Global Health and Development programme at your university represents an ideal starting point for a career in health and NGOs. The multidisciplinary setup of the ‘Concepts and controversies in global health’ topic particularly appeals to me. I admire the work done by Professor Sarah Miller in my country, particularly her insights into the change in population policy and the health status of leftover children. Her practical illustrations, combined with her managerial experience in NGOs, underline the relevance of the course subject matter.

My country has significant potential to develop a sophisticated policy framework to combat antimicrobial resistance, and this requires a multi-sectoral approach. Consumers, professionals, and policy-makers all have roles to play in this solution. By leveraging my work experience, the knowledge I aim to gain from this course, and a macro perspective, I’m confident I can contribute to this effort.

Upon graduation, I aim to return to Global Animal Protection and eventually assume a managerial role in the food safety group at the World Health Organization (WHO). I am confident that my unique background combining veterinary expertise with NGO experience, combined with the international perspective provided by your university, equips me well for this challenging programme. I eagerly anticipate spending a year with professors and classmates on the course to delve into, debate, and reflect on this significant topic.

In the future, I hope to drive change within the health and NGO sectors by applying the knowledge I acquire from the UCL course. The power to make a difference largely rests in increasing public awareness, particularly in countries like mine, where the misuse of antibiotics and related issues pose significant challenges. With the comprehensive education offered by UCL, I believe I will be better equipped to address these issues and create lasting impact.

Beyond the realm of academics, I also look forward to engaging in enlightening conversations with my international classmates, learning from their diverse experiences in statistics, healthcare, and more. The global vision provided by UCL will prepare me to think globally while acting locally, a perspective I deem essential in today’s interconnected world.

In the long term, my ambition is to become a middle-level manager in the food safety group within the World Health Organization (WHO), once I have accrued adequate experience. The complexities of combating Antimicrobial Resistance in my country demand an integrated approach, involving consumers, professionals, and policymakers alike. I believe that quality education, especially in the basics of medicine, should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic location. In a similar vein, if the farming industry and the administration can work together to propose suitable policies, a healthier, more sustainable development will no longer be a mere dream for my country.

The interdisciplinary structure of the UCL course will undoubtedly equip me to analyze health issues in a wider context. The international vision offered by UCL, coupled with my unique background in veterinary science and NGO work, makes me an excellent candidate for your challenging programme. I am excited about the opportunity to join the course, exploring, debating, and deeply reflecting on these crucial topics with professors and classmates. I am eager to embark on this exciting journey, and I look forward to the opportunities it will bring.