Scholar Privata Oscar reflects on her Australia Awards Scholarship

Meet Australia Awards scholar, Dr Privata Oscar who is a passionate medical doctor and public health professional from Tanzania. She served for thirteen years as a general practitioner primarily in the General Outpatient Department of the Muhimbili National Hospital before she embarked on the Australia Awards Scholarship. Here is her story in her own words:

“I am immensely grateful to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for awarding me a scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Health at Edith Cowan University (ECU). I am also deeply thankful to ECU for providing me with the opportunity to advance my education. When I first arrived at ECU, my knowledge and skills in public health were limited. Thanks to high-quality teaching and exceptional holistic support, I now feel confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to reducing cervical cancer prevalence in my home country.

The General Outpatient Department serves as the entry point for most patients from across the country. During my tenure, I encountered numerous women with advanced cervical cancer daily. Witnessing their suffering deeply affected me and made me question why so many presented at such late stages of the disease. Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Tanzania. I felt a strong desire to contribute to the government’s efforts to reduce the burden of this preventable disease but realised I lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to make a significant impact.

As part of my studies, I chose to take a unit on public health planning and evaluation to better prepare for my work upon returning home. For an assessment in this unit, I developed a comprehensive health promotion program aimed at reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among Indigenous women in Derby, Kimberly, Western Australia. This project provided valuable insights into the barriers contributing to the high prevalence of cervical cancer in underserved and remote communities. I also learned about strategies to address these barriers, many of which apply to similar challenges faced by women in low socioeconomic and remote areas in Tanzania.

Upon returning home, I plan to take a proactive role in raising community awareness about cervical cancer prevention. My immediate goal is to start providing health education at my workplace, targeting patients and their relatives. Additionally, I will engage with local women’s groups to increase awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention.

To support these efforts, I will collaborate with my employer, colleagues, professional associations, and other stakeholders to organise community-based fundraising initiatives. These funds will be used to provide free cervical cancer screening and treatment for those who test positive. I will also maintain the connections I have established in Australia to seek support for implementing my program.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to DFAT for sponsoring my master’s studies at ECU and to the university for equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a difference.”