This fund has been established in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, to honour the memory of Dr Ijeoma Ejekam Idaresit, who was an alumnus of the school and the founder of the Edie and Amy Company.
Dr. Ijeoma Ejekam Idaresit
Dr Ijeoma was an inspirational leader who resolved to be a part of the solution to the challenges with healthcare delivery and outcomes in Nigeria. After receiving her Master’s degree in Public Health, she went on to create the Edie and Amy Company, a maternal-focused online media and product organization, which currently reaches over 10,000 mothers monthly through a website and other social media platforms, helping them through hurdles in breastfeeding and postpartum care.
Also concerned about the dearth of maternal mental health support systems in Nigeria, she worked as the Conference Director of the Postpartum Support Network (PSN) Africa, an organization that has educated up to 16,000 people, screened about 8,000 mothers, and provided free treatment for over 500 women suffering from postpartum depression and other mood disorders.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she coordinated the team’s response, personally providing support for at least 46 women in 6 different online groups called the Warrior Mom Villages.
About the fund
The scholarship will serve to uphold Dr. Ijeoma’s legacy, her dedication to learning for continuous improvement, and her passion for improving maternal health in partnership with a globally respected institution that is a leading centre for health research.
Successful scholars from West Africa will have an opportunity to go further in their academic pursuits and become better equipped to provide solutions in the healthcare space. Through this, the impact of Dr Ijeoma’s work will be amplified in the various projects carried out by the recipients, with the potential of meeting health needs in Nigeria and Africa.
Benefits
Successful beneficiaries will receive financial support to the tune of 500 pounds for use towards their studies, which could include grants to undertake research or travel in aid of completing their final research projects.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to West African students who have secured admission and enrolled for the Master of Public Health program of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Preference will be given to students from Nigeria, and those who have an interest in maternal health and/or mental health.
How to Apply
Applications for support will be open from December 2021 to all eligible candidates. We can find more information about the scholarship fund here
