Thank you from Dr Malembaka

I am incredibly honoured to have been selected for the Memorial Bursary that allowed me to attend the Advanced Course of Vaccinology (ADVAC) in Annecy, France, in May 2024. This scholarship, provided by a foundation created by the family and friends of Dr Mike Watson, has been a life-changing opportunity. The Bursary’s mission of supporting young researchers from low-income countries is a testament to the legacy of the expert who spent his life advancing vaccine research.

As a researcher from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country severely affected by vaccine-preventable diseases such as cholera, measles, and polio, this course has been an essential milestone in my career. In DRC, the burden of infectious diseases remains high, and access to life-saving vaccines is often a challenge. Being able to attend this course has given me the tools and knowledge I need to make a tangible difference in addressing these issues.

The ADVAC course covered a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of vaccine development, including immunology and clinical trials, to the practical aspects of vaccine implementation such as global vaccination strategies, regulatory issues, and program management. Learning from world-class experts, I deepened my understanding of how vaccines are created and distributed, particularly in resource-limited settings like DRC.

Additionally, one of the most valuable experiences of the course was the opportunity to build a global network of fellow researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals. The connections I made have already proven to be beneficial, both professionally and personally. Through these new partnerships, I have access to a wider network of experts with whom I can collaborate on research, share knowledge, and seek advice as I continue my work in vaccine epidemiology.

Beyond the technical knowledge, this experience has been pivotal in shaping my career. With the insights gained from the course, I feel better equipped to advocate for stronger vaccination programs and to contribute to the fight against preventable diseases in DRC. Whether through conducting research on vaccine-preventable diseases like cholera or contributing to national vaccination campaigns, I am confident that the skills I have developed will have a lasting impact on public health in my country.

This journey would not have been possible without the support of the Bursary and the generosity of its donors. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this mission. Your support is not just changing individual careers—it is enabling young researchers like myself to make a meaningful difference in the world. I encourage continued support for this Bursary as it is creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom, into the lives of those most in need.

Thank you for making this possible, and for believing in the power of vaccines to change lives.

Dr Espoir Malembaka

Research Fellow

Université Catholique de Bukavu

South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo