Research Engagement and ImpactWHO internship for Flinders researcher

coconut palm tree leaves over endless ocean, Fiji

The World Health Organization (WHO) can take you to a holiday destination, but rather than relaxation, be prepared for intense, valuable work experience. Such global opportunities have been a relatively hidden gem for current and recently graduated researchers, until now.

Flinders researcher and Doctorate of Public Health candidate, Elissa Mortimer, College of Medicine and Public Health, has used her peer networks to access a WHO Internship in tropical Fiji. For 6 weeks earlier this year, Elissa volunteered as an intern with the South Pacific WHO Representative Office in Suva, Fiji. 

The WHO internship program is open to recent or current students with an interest in global health. Elissa undertook two projects alongside of the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Technical Officer. 

“The experience was of immense value to me because of the opportunity to undertake and deliver on projects prioritised by both the WHO office and its external stakeholders, as well as apply and practise my skills in a global health setting,” said Elissa.

The first project related to development of an Implementation Plan for Front of Pack Labelling for processed and packaged foods manufactured in Fiji. Front of Pack Labelling systems such as the Health Star Rating system used in Australia, are being implemented more broadly owing to the increased accessibility of commercial food markets in low-middle income countries and the growing burden of NCDs. Front of Pack Labelling systems provide an easy to use, quick reference guide to assist consumers to make healthier choices at the supermarket.

The second project involved an analysis of data collected for the Health Promoting Schools program, being undertaken with around 200 schools throughout the main island of Fiji. Elissa conducted an analysis to determine if any relationship existed between variables measuring anthropometry (BMI-for-age) and anaemia status (haemoglobin) with survey responses measuring Diet and Physical Activity Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice.

Both of Elissa’s projects were related to NCDs, which are taking centre stage globally as the largest cause of morbidity and mortality. They are of particular relevance to Fiji, where around 80% of deaths are caused by NCDs. The bulk of funding to United Nations agencies, such as WHO, is now related to NCDs.

On Tuesday 21 August 2018, Southgate Institute for Health, Society, and Equity will be hosting a seminar by Elissa for her to share her experience on Global public health work with a UN agency. The seminar will be held from 1 PM in Rooms 1.23, 1.27 and 1.28 of the Health Sciences building.

Tags:
0 comments

More posts in "Research Engagement and Impact" series:

  1. (13 Dec 2018) ECR Spotlight - Dr Ben Lewis
  2. (29 Nov 2018) Impact Seed Funding – supporting our Flinders ECRs – Dr David Smith
  3. (29 Nov 2018) Research Roundup - 29 November 2018
  4. (15 Nov 2018) Impact Seed Funding – supporting our Flinders ECRs – Dr Lua Perimal-Lewis
  5. (14 Nov 2018) Research Roundup - 15 November 2018
  6. (01 Nov 2018) Flinders research from an undergraduate class to a record breaking swim attempt
  7. (01 Nov 2018) Research Roundup - 1 November 2018
  8. (31 Oct 2018) ECR Spotlight - Dr Bev Rogers
  9. (31 Oct 2018) Flinders researchers trip to Germany on bringing science to market
  10. (18 Oct 2018) Melbourne and Canberra fellowships advance research and leadership skills for Flinders researcher
  11. (18 Oct 2018) Impact Seed Funding – supporting our Flinders ECRs - Dr Linlin Ma
  12. (18 Oct 2018) Research Roundup - 18 October 2018
  13. (04 Oct 2018) How can Australian innovation create new industries and jobs?
  14. (04 Oct 2018) Research Roundup - 4 October 2018
  15. (27 Sep 2018) Saving Nemo at Ngeringa Winery
  16. (20 Sep 2018) Assisting the UN and developing nations on how to measure wellbeing
  17. (20 Sep 2018) Equity Hub to assist translating research into change
  18. (06 Sep 2018) Steps to improve gender diversity in coastal geoscience and engineering
  19. (23 Aug 2018) Finding the invisible traces
  20. (09 Aug 2018) Diving in Deep to strengthen links with UNESCO members
  21. (09 Aug 2018) Impact Seed Funding – supporting our Flinders ECRs
  22. (09 Aug 2018) Older Adults engaging for a better quality of life
  23. (08 Aug 2018) The scientist’s guide to a successful career in academia
  24. (27 Jul 2018) Flinders aiming to lead the blueeconomy
  25. (27 Jul 2018) Can you have a conversation with a computer?
  26. (12 Jul 2018) Flinders linking with arts and culture to explore their real value
  27. (12 Jul 2018) WHO internship for Flinders researcher
  28. (28 Jun 2018) Flinders linkage grants success
  29. (28 Jun 2018) Flinders’ led project top in Radiation Research
  30. (18 Jun 2018) Nothing going to waste - Flinders NIH Success
  31. (18 Jun 2018) ECR Spotlight - In Conversation with Dr Sam Elliott
  32. (29 May 2018) Flinders leading the reviews to improve remote health
  33. (17 May 2018) Generating conversation through The Conversation
  34. (15 May 2018) ECR Spotlight - Dr Ashok Manoharan 2018
  35. (03 May 2018) Flinders’ Archaeologist off to Cambridge for a year
  36. (26 Mar 2018) New chapter of Indigenous history told through food
  37. (08 Mar 2018) Flinders linking with Indigenous groups to explore aspects of colonial Australia
  38. (22 Feb 2018) ECR Spotlight - Ian Moffat
  39. (21 Feb 2018) Flinders working to Beat Cancer
  40. (25 Jan 2018) Why are little penguins declining?
  41. (25 Jan 2018) Scimex - Register now to be a part of breaking news
  42. (24 Jan 2018) ECR Spotlight - Alice Clement
  43. (21 Dec 2017) A Flinders first - automated launch and recovery for autonomous underwater vessels
  44. (13 Dec 2017) 2017 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Early Career Researchers
  45. (11 Dec 2017) ECR Spotlight - Vishnu KK Nair
  46. (06 Dec 2017) NHMRC success for Flinders
  47. (24 Nov 2017) Aiming to improve the health, education and wellbeing of children
  48. (17 Nov 2017) Accelerating the Interplay Wellbeing Framework
  49. (16 Nov 2017) 2018 Visiting International Research Fellows to Flinders
  50. (15 Nov 2017) ECR Spotlight - Ashokkumar Manoharan
  51. (15 Nov 2017) 2018 Flinders Endeavour Scholars and Fellows announced
  52. (14 Nov 2017) Time to Bragg about science writing
  53. (10 Nov 2017) Flinders Forensic Science cleans up at Awards
  54. (10 Nov 2017) Flinders successes in the recent ARC grant round
  55. (30 Oct 2017) Students Present Around the World
  56. (20 Oct 2017) Over $8 Million to Flinders from the National Palliative Care round
  57. (19 Oct 2017) ECR Spotlight - Sam Schultz
  58. (17 Oct 2017) Flinders' Fresh Scientists in the Pub
  59. (11 Oct 2017) Indigenous knowledge, not just for Indigenous communities
  60. (06 Oct 2017) Leading Drug and Alcohol researchers at Flinders’ NCETA secure $1.7 million in funding
  61. (05 Oct 2017) ECR Spotlight - Margaret Shanafield
  62. (28 Sep 2017) Our Distinguished Geographer
  63. (07 Sep 2017) ECR Spotlight - George Karpetis
  64. (01 Sep 2017) Eureka! Prize for blood test for bowel cancer recurrence
  65. (22 Aug 2017) Different environments, different DNA, different dolphins?
  66. (17 Aug 2017) ECR Spotlight - Dr Harriet Whiley
  67. (03 Aug 2017) ECR Spotlight - Giselle Rampersad
  68. (17 Jul 2017) Time to Scope your research - FAST
  69. (17 Jul 2017) Time to Scope your research - Hoverflies
  70. (13 Jul 2017) Tips from a first time interviewee
  71. (12 Jul 2017) Saving Nemo at the Star of Greece
  72. (07 Jul 2017) Invasion of the European crabs
  73. (20 Jun 2017) Fossil finds bring Australia's evolutionary history to life
  74. (07 Jun 2017) Peer Prize up for grabs
  75. (02 Jun 2017) Tracking the marine ecosystems in South Australia
  76. (29 May 2017) Be Your Best for Impact
  77. (18 May 2017) Aiming to catch criminals as never before
  78. (05 May 2017) Excavating with and in a Community
  79. (29 Apr 2017) What does engagement look like? Community-initiated research.
  80. (24 Apr 2017) Planning for one of the world’s youngest nations
  81. (07 Apr 2017) Pitching ON tasty seaweed jelly
  82. (29 Mar 2017) Best and Brightest for Hearts
  83. (27 Mar 2017) The Best Student Publications - Flinders 2016 edition
  84. (16 Mar 2017) From workshop to book - Underwater archaeology and 3D
  85. (21 Dec 2016) Recent Funding Success
  86. (21 Dec 2016) Research Impact - Point of Care Testing
  87. (21 Dec 2016) New ARC College of Experts
  88. (20 Dec 2016) Flinders Celebrates - 2016 Research Successes
  89. (19 Dec 2016) Vice-Chancellor Awards for Research Excellence
  90. (19 Dec 2016) Cardiology, Mental Health Projects among NHMRC Grant Success