Naomi Chi Ndum

Naomi is is a nurse and an epidemiologist in training. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing Science, an MSc in Epidemiology, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. She has over 8 years of working experience in the health field. She has worked at different levels of the healthcare system in Cameroon managing communicable diseases as a clinical nurse, a volunteer and an epidemiologist in training. She has clinical and field epidemiology experience in managing tropical diseases like malaria, schistosomiasis, helthminthiasis and most other NTDs in hard to reach areas. 

Naomi has a strong interest on implementation and operational research centered around improving disease management, particularly at the primary health care level in low- and middle-income countries. She is currently involved in the SchistoBreak project in Pemba, where she explores the capacities and needs of primary health care facilities in managing schistosomiasis. Her research also emphasizes behavior change communication (BCC), assessing its impact on schistosomiasis-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices within communities. In addition, she investigates both existing and novel diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis to enhance timely and accurate disease detection.

Ndum N.C, Trippler L, Mohammed U.A, Ali A.S, Hattendorf J, Utzinger J, Ali S.M, Knopp S. Capacities and needs of health care facilities for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management in elimination settings. Parasit Vectors. 2024;17:263. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06311-8

Ndum N.C, Trippler L, Najim S.O, Ali A.S, Hattendorf J, Ame S.M, Kabole F, Utzinger J, Ali S.M, Knopp S. One-year impact of behavioural interventions on schistosomiasis-related knowledge, attitude and practices of primary schoolchildren in Pemba, Tanzania. Infect Dis Poverty. 2024;13:84. DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01251-y