Always appreciate what you have – Dr Fatima Mahmood Jibirilla Mubi
Dr Fatima Mahmood Jibirilla Mubi MBBS, MPH, PhD is an experienced medical doctor and a public health practitioner, who is currently working to create awareness on health issues and ease the stress in the healthcare system in Nigeria.
My name is Fatima Mahmood Jibrilla, I was born in the early 80s. I come from Borno state and my parents are late Alkali Baba Kura Imam (first Grand khadi of Borno State) and Hajiya Ummu sheikh Abubakar Mahmood Gumi. I am the 26th child from a family of 38 children.
Educational background
I attended Shehu Garbai primary School in Borno State for my primary education, I was at the Unity Girls college Maiduguri for my secondary education and the University of Maiduguri where I bagged a Bachelor of Medicine degree MBBS. I then proceeded to Sheffield University in the United Kingdom for my
Master’s degree in public health. I obtained a doctorate (PhD) in Public health at Walden University, USA and also completed other certificate courses on servant leadership, management of people and resources and climatic change all under the Young African Leaders Initiative Network.
Career background
As a young doctor, I obtained my internship experience in Maitama hospital, Abuja. My interest in public health started during my paediatric posting when I noticed that most of the children I saw in the clinic came with cases of recurring diarrhoea, a preventable condition. My interest grew bigger during my NYSC days when I served as a medical officer with the Rollback malaria team under AMAC. The wide knowledge gap around preventable diseases in our communities is what influenced me to pursue a Masters degree in public health.
After my Master’s degree, I joined the Association for reproductive and family health (ARFH) where I continued building my experience in curbing malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Having started work in ARFH, I realized the need to further my education and acquire more knowledge in public health, so I went for my PhD which I completed successfully. The leadership and management trainings I had, also added to my skills
Based on my qualification and the experience I had acquired in public health from ARFH, I got employed by one of the renowned NGOs in the country where I am currently working to improve the well being of women and children in Nigeria.
As a public health specialist, what can be done to curb the spread of cholera in the country?
As much as people will get treated for the disease, the major way to curb the menace is through awareness. Continuous awareness and aggressive enlightening of people on what causes cholera and how they can prevent themselves from contracting the disease will greatly reduce the number of persons contracting the disease.
Growing up
Growing up for me was interesting. I come from a very large family so we did everything together. We ate together, went to school together and played together. We were each other’s friends.
Life lessons
I’ve come to believe that the most important thing one can do is know that no one can ever be a hindrance to your blessing or success. What is meant for you will be yours no matter where you are and with focus and determination you will definitely achieve your goals. Also, learn to appreciate what you have, be contented. Whatever it is, the more you appreciate it, the more it turns out a blessing for you.
Aspirations growing up
Growing up, I had always wanted to be a doctor. When I was little, I remember asking my family members to keep praying for me to become a doctor. And I remember during my senior secondary school days, many thought I would be the health prefect