Employment

• Epidemiologist, MSF Switzerland (Current)
• Epidemiologist, Epicentre, France
• Consultant, University of Oxford, UK
• Liaison Scientist, WWARN, University of Oxford, UK
• Research Physician, Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand

Diplomas

• MPH (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), at Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sante Publique (EHESP), France
• Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H), at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh

Biography

Debashish Das has been working for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Operational Centre Geneva as a Medical Epidemiologist since Oct 2015. His current role involves principally conducting epidemiologic investigation of malaria and non-malarial febrile illness outbreaks in complex humanitarian emergencies in Africa.

Das has a background in clinical research and tropical diseases, as well as, has work experiences in humanitarian crisis with MSF in Bangladesh, Uganda and with the Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin) in Nepal. As a research associate with Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, he conducted studies in western Cambodia that provided conclusive evidence of emerging artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Das holds a DTM&H from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a MPH from the the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sante Publique (EHESP), France.

Why is this PhD important for you (for your career, organisation or country)?

I foresee myself as a disease detective and a first line outbreak responder in the field of applied epidemiology and implementation research. I believe, the PhD program in global health will provide a pathway for my future desired career with epidemiologic competency and expertise through its’ evidence-based education and hands-on training.

Global achievement in malaria control over the last 15 years is remarkable. Despite these extraordinary achievements, malaria remains a major killer of children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, taking the life of a child in every 2 minutes. There are key knowledge gaps in understanding the factors responsible for malaria deaths, which might be further compounded by complex medical and humanitarian crisis. The proposed PhD project is expected to provide evidence to optimize malaria control interventions in complex medical emergencies in Africa for MSF Operations, as well as the global malaria community.

Why did you choose our PhD?

I chose to apply for the PhD program in global health because of the program design, courses and timing flexibility.