27-year-old Aisha Katsina Isa, a public health advocate, has won the 2024 Emerging Public Health Leader Award and the Evelyn Zimmerman Public Health Award, earning global recognition for her groundbreaking contributions to health equity, mental health systems, and innovative healthcare solutions.
Isa’s work has made significant strides in addressing healthcare gaps for underserved populations, positioning her as a rising force in the global public health arena.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Isa, who is currently a researcher with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), reflected on her journey and outlined her future plans.
She attributed her success to years of policy advocacy, community engagement, and research aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable groups.
Isa’s experience also includes roles at the National Hospital Abuja and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, where she developed expertise in healthcare delivery and policy formulation.
Looking ahead, Aisha Katsina Isa plans to expand access to mental health services in marginalized areas, deepen her research on culturally sensitive health communication, and inspire future public health professionals through targeted career awareness programmes.
In that light, she urged young Nigerians to explore the diverse opportunities in public health, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community service, and making a meaningful impact.
The Evelyn Zimmerman Award reinforces my commitment to public health and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in volunteering, health advocacy, and health equity. It’s not just a personal achievement—it’s a reminder that the work we do today shapes the future of public health.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue advancing my work in public health by focusing on initiatives that bridge gaps in mental health, disability support, and health equity. I’m committed to expanding the public health career awareness programme to inspire the next generation of public health professionals, particularly those from underserved communities.
I also aim to deepen my research on culturally sensitive health communication and integrate new technologies to address global public health disparities. Ultimately, my goal is to continue advocating for systemic change and contribute to policies that improve health outcomes both in the US and globally.
To those aspiring to enter the public health field, my advice is simple: stay curious, remain resilient, and always seek to make an impact. Public health is a broad and dynamic field, so don’t be afraid to explore different areas—whether it’s mental health, environmental health, policy development, or community outreach.
Be proactive in seeking mentorship, internships, and experiences that expose you to real-world challenges. Public health is about serving others, so always keep the needs of communities at the heart of your work. Lastly, understand that making a difference often takes time and persistence, but your contributions, no matter how small, can lead to lasting change.”
