The Jeroen Ensink Memorial Fund commemorates the life and work of Dr Jeroen Ensink.
Jeroen was an internationally renowned water engineer and dedicated humanitarian who was a popular much-loved member of the LSHTM community. He was passionately committed to improving access to water and sanitation worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where children continue to die due to the lack of essential services.
The fund was established following his tragic death in December 2015 to support MSc scholarships for talented students from sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia to undertake an MSc in Public Health for Development.
Meet Marie Umupfasoni, the 2019 Ensink Scholar
I came to public health after pursuing other work. After obtaining my undergraduate degree in 2012, I was hired and took part in a cluster-randomised controlled trial among 184 villages in the Western Province of Rwanda. We collected household health data and environmental samples (water and air).
Despite having no previous experience in data collection and having minimal knowledge of public health, epidemiology, and research methodologies, I grasped the background and rationale of the randomised controlled trial methodology implemented in our research study. I also learned the theory behind each study phase and evaluation components and all the different procedures undertaken thanks to various training and skill development workshops.
The experience I gained from my work helped me understand the issues around research in environmental health in low-income settings. It deepened my commitment to public health, and I became eager to expand my skills and get formal training that will allow me to build knowledge and skills in applied public health research and program evaluation.
My supervisors were from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and I saw their rigorous and meticulous work. Moreover, LSHTM is a world-renowned School in Public Health. Therefore, I had many engaging conversations with them about the possibility of studying there. They encouraged me, and one day, shared a link to the Jeroen Ensink Memorial Fund, to which I applied. Getting admission to the School was already a dream come true but receiving the email informing me that I was selected was something else and more significant.
I remember standing in front of the School and seeing the golden LSHTM letters; my dream came true. I learned about Public Health, epidemiology, and a tropical environmental health module. This module taught me water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and menstrual hygiene management (MHM), which were my top interests. One thing about LSHTM is that you get nothing but the best: lectures and tutors who are experts in their respective fields and have done a lot of research. Not only do you get the knowledge, but you are inspired and empowered to apply it in the best way.
The knowledge I gained will help me achieve my targets: improving WASH in school settings and MHM practices among schoolgirls in low- and middle-income countries by assisting them to get access to menstrual pads. This would allow them not to skip school and gain knowledge without fear and shame.
I am very grateful to LSHTM for the Jeroen Ensink Memorial Fund established in his name and memory of his life and good work. May his soul rest in peace.