Ndahafa Imene: Turning curiosity into action on AMR

2026-04-23

Meet Ndahafa Imene. Her journey as a medical laboratory scientist began with a simple curiosity to find out what happens to a patient sample after it is collected. This drive to understand the microscopic processes behind a diagnosis led her to the laboratory and a career as a research assistant for the Global Health Protection Program.

Now a participant in the Antimicrobial Resistance Leaders Program (AMRLEP), Ndahafa is turning her scientific expertise into leadership. In this interview, she shares her path to the frontlines of AMR stewardship and her vision for driving global change.

Ndahafa, what made you decide to become a medical laboratory scientist?

– I have always been passionate about the health field. I have a deep interest in helping people. Initially, like many others, the first profession that came to mind was becoming a medical doctor. At one point, I did consider pursuing medicine. However, over time I began to learn more about how broad the health sciences field really is.

– I became curious about what happens with a sample after a healthcare worker collects it from a patient. I wanted to understand the processes that occur beyond that point – what happens in the laboratory, what takes place microscopically within the body, and how laboratory investigations help doctors diagnose patients.

How long have you been working as a medical laboratory scientist?

–  I am still awaiting graduation but currently I work as a Research Assistant for the Global Health Protection Program.

What do you appreciate the most about your profession and being a student?

–  What I appreciate most about being a medical laboratory scientist is the opportunity to understand what is happening inside the body at a cellular and microscopic level.

–  As scientists, we work directly with patient samples and analytical instruments to investigate disease processes. The ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal findings and contribute to accurate diagnosis is something I truly value about this profession. Being able to explore what is happening inside the body at such a detailed level is both fascinating and rewarding.

AMRLEP program: A program ot engage students in AMR throughout Africa. Initiated by ReAct Africa.

What motivated you to join the AMRLEP program in collaboration with ReAct Africa and Students Against Superbugs-Africa?

– I first encountered antimicrobial resistance during one of my microbiology classes at university. What intrigued me most about the concept was that antimicrobial resistance is both a natural biological phenomenon and a growing global health threat that affects humans, animals, and the environment. I later became more familiar with this concept through the One Health approach after joining the One Health Student Society at my University.

– This experience helped me understand how the human, animal, and environmental sectors are interconnected. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major threats that affects all three sectors simultaneously.

– This sparked my interest in learning more about the causes and challenges associated with AMR, as well as what can be done to mitigate its impact both globally and nationally. As a young professional, I wanted to understand how youth can contribute to addressing AMR and promoting responsible antimicrobial use. When a person shared the opportunity to join the AMR Leadership Program, I immediately recognized its value. It was a platform to deepen my understanding of AMR.

The program began with “The Silent Tsunami” online course covering topics from the history of antibiotics to clinical challenges.

Which of these broad focus areas did you find most eye-opening or relevant to your future career as a medical professional?

– One of the most eye-opening areas for me was the discussion on diagnostic challenges and the role of laboratory testing in antimicrobial stewardship. As a medical laboratory scientist, diagnostics play a critical role in guiding appropriate antimicrobial use.

–  Accurate testing helps clinicians determine the specific pathogens responsible for infections. It also Identifies which antimicrobials will be most effective. Without proper diagnostic support, clinicians often prescribe antibiotics empirically, which can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

–  The course reinforced the importance of strengthening laboratory capacity and improving access to reliable diagnostics. It also highlighted the important role that laboratory professionals play in surveillance, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These aspects are directly aligned with my future career and strengthened my understanding of how laboratory scientists contribute to combating AMR.

AMRLEP aims to equip students with the skills to become “solution providers”.

Ndahafa, can you share a specific skill or leadership quality you developed during the virtual sensitization sessions that you feel is most critical for addressing AMR in your local context?

– One important leadership lesson I gained from the virtual sensitization sessions is the importance of starting. Often, when we think about large global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, it can feel overwhelming to make a meaningful impact.

– However, the program helped me realize that change often begins with small actions. Whether it is sharing educational material about antimicrobial resistance, starting conversations about responsible antibiotic use, or engaging communities through awareness initiatives, every effort contributes to the larger goal.

– I learned that taking initiative and getting involved even in small ways is essential. Over time, these efforts can grow into larger initiatives and connect you with others who share the same passion. Passion and persistence are important, because progress can sometimes be slow. However, starting somewhere and remaining committed to the cause can ultimately lead to meaningful impact.

One of the program’s objectives is to facilitate engagement in “One Health” student clubs.

How has the program shaped your understanding of the intersection between human, animal, and environmental health in the fight against superbugs?

–  Prior to joining the program, I already had some exposure to the One Health concept because I previously served as a Clinical Health Representative in the One Health Student Society. Through that experience, I understood that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected.

–  However, the program helped me better understand the global importance of the One Health approach in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Historically, many interventions have focused primarily on the human health sector. Through the program, I learned that combating AMR effectively requires a more holistic approach that includes the animal and environmental sectors as well.

–  For example, I learned how improper disposal of antibiotics such as flushing them down the toilet can contribute to environmental contamination and antimicrobial resistance. I also gained insight into how antimicrobial use in agriculture and livestock production can contribute to the development of resistant organisms.

–  Currently, I am working as a research assistant for the Global Health Protection Programme, which focuses on strengthening One Health networks across several African countries. This experience has further deepened my understanding of the stakeholders involved in addressing AMR and the importance of multisectoral collaboration. The One Health approach is something I strongly advocate for because it provides a comprehensive framework for addressing complex health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

As a participant, you are encouraged to use a “Training of Trainers” (ToT) approach to empower others.

Ndahafa, what innovative solutions or initiatives are you planning to lead within your own university to engage your fellow students in AMR stewardship?

–  Although I am no longer a university student and am preparing to graduate with my Honours degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, I still believe that I can play an important role in promoting antimicrobial resistance awareness.

–  Moving forward, I plan to continue engaging in spaces where I can amplify conversations around antimicrobial resistance and responsible antimicrobial use. Through my work with the Global Health Protection Programme, I hope to contribute to initiatives that strengthen awareness and collaboration around One Health and AMR stewardship.

– In addition, I hope to inspire young people to explore careers within the broader health sciences field. Many students are only familiar with professions such as medicine or nursing, but there are many other important fields such as medical laboratory sciences where individuals can make meaningful contributions to healthcare and public health.

– By participating in discussions, educational initiatives, and youth-focused platforms, I hope to continue raising awareness about AMR and encouraging others to become involved in addressing this global health challenge.

How do you see the role of young people and future policymakers evolving to ensure the sustainability of AMR interventions across the African continent?

– Young people will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of antimicrobial resistance interventions across Africa. As the next generation of professionals, policymakers, and leaders, it will ultimately be our responsibility to continue the work that is currently being done and build upon it.

– One of the strengths of today’s youth is our passion and willingness to engage with issues that directly affect our communities. Many young people are actively seeking knowledge and solutions to the challenges we face, including antimicrobial resistance. Programs like the AMR Leadership Program are particularly valuable because they equip young professionals with knowledge, skills, and exposure to real-world solutions.

– By participating in such programs early in our careers, we become better prepared to contribute to policy development, research, and community engagement initiatives in the future.

– As youth leaders and future policymakers, we will have the opportunity to collaborate across countries and sectors to develop sustainable strategies for combating AMR. The fact that young people are already educating themselves and engaging in these conversations gives me confidence that we will be able to drive meaningful and lasting change across the continent.

From curiosity to impact

What started as a simple curiosity about laboratory samples has grown into a passion for global health. Ndahafa Imene shows that laboratory scientists can also be great leaders. She uses her knowledge from the microscope to support the work of policymakers.By sharing her expertise, she helps others understand how to fight AMR more effectively. As she prepares to graduate, she has a clear message for young people across Africa: real change begins when you choose to get involved. If you stay committed, you can make a lasting impact on your community.