The year 2020 was a defining year for me, as it was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. There was also armed conflict in my country, particularly in my community, one of the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, which is plagued with poverty and a high prevalence of preventable diseases. I realized that in order to make a significant contribution, I needed to further my education. This prompted me to apply for a Master’s degree in Global Health Risk Management and Hygiene Policies at the University of Bonn. I was fortunate to receive the Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation Scholarship, which covered the full cost of my studies.

I was thrilled to move to Germany, but the ongoing armed conflict in my country and the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible. I completed the first three quarters of my studies remotely, and only moved to Germany for the last quarter, thanks to the understanding and support of my program coordinator and professors.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to participate in various activities aimed at promoting public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Some of the activities I was involved in included organizing health campaigns, coordinating health education sessions, and implementing sensitization and prevention measures for HIV/AIDS. I was also involved in indigenous community outreach where I educated young females on risky health behaviors and the prevention of communicable diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Through these experiences, I was able to apply the knowledge I gained from my studies in a real-world setting and make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.