Staff Research Rounds - Smeetha Nair

Date:

Thurs, 29 Feb 2024

Time:

10 am-11 am [Singapore [GMT +8]

Location:

Seminar Room 1, Level 8
Tahir Foundation Building (MD1)
National University of Singapore
12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549

Details:

You are cordially invited to the ON-SITE SPH Staff Research Round. We look forward to your attendance and we hope for an interesting discussion. Do hang around after the talk as light refreshments will be provided. We will also be having a Lucky Draw at the end of the session, so register yourself on-site and stand a chance to win a special prize!

*Please note that we have changed to an on-site registration, so no prior registration is necessary!*

Abstract:

Health indicators in Timor-Leste reflect high levels of maternal and child mortality and malnutrition. This concerning trend is linked to prevailing barriers in accessing quality healthcare and education. In an effort to address these issues, Maluk Timor implemented a community health-worker programme aimed at equipping community members with the knowledge and skills to promote health advocacy. This initiative has helped ensure consistent dissemination of health information to expectant mothers.

To help assess the effectiveness of this programme, this study included semi-structured interviews and unstructured observations in Dili, Atauro and Ermera, engaging with diverse stakeholder.

Findings suggest that integration of digital educational materials and the use of props could enhance information retention amongst community members. The necessity for comprehensive monitoring and evaluation was also evident, to ensure ongoing programme accountability even in the absence of staff.

Speakers:

Smeetha Nair

Senior Executive, Infectious Disease Department, National University Hospital

Smeetha Nair is a senior executive at the National University Hospital’s Infectious Disease department. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from Nanyang Technological University. She is currently in the midst of completing her Master of Public Health from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Smeetha’s interest lies in exploring maternal and child health within the realm of global health, with a particular focus on qualitative research methodologies. Presently, she is also a technical mentor with Maluk Timor, offering guidance in the area of monitoring and evaluation, specific to the maternal health team.

In her free time, Smeetha is actively engaged in volunteer work in the community. She serves as a volunteer befriender at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, providing support to paediatric patients. As a youth advocate in the Health Promotion Board’s youth group, she contributes her expertise to promote health awareness among young individuals.