2024 Winner: International Alumnus Award (Griffith Health)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Class of 2006
Master of Nutrition & Dietetics, Class of 2007
2024 Overall winner
Dr Nsofwa Sukwa-Chitwa has made it her personal mission to develop innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health issues of our time.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and continuing on to complete a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nsofwa established a significant career as a researcher and medical doctor focusing primarily on clinical research and vaccine evaluation in Zambia. Currently, she is a co-investigator and a key member of the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) team establishing an enteric human infection challenge model.
“Overall, my role as a research clinician is both demanding and immensely rewarding,” she says. “Every day presents new opportunities to contribute to the development of life-saving vaccines and improve global health outcomes.”
Since joining the CIDRZ in 2018 as a Clinical Research Fellow, Nsofwa has played pivotal roles in the investigation of vaccines against rotavirus and Escherichia Coli diarrhoea—crucial for addressing public health issues in low- and middle-income countries.
“Zambia faces numerous public health challenges, with many revolving around infectious diseases and malnutrition in children,” she says. “We are still grappling with HIV, TB and diarrhoea, and just last year, a devastating cholera outbreak claimed many lives.”
“Evidence-based solutions are needed to inform disease prevention interventions. This underscores the importance of medical research, which is a driving force behind my dedication to my work.”
Nsofwa has made significant contributions to the field of vaccine research and infectious disease understanding through several publications of her work. Her research encompasses a broad spectrum of studies focused on the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of vaccines, as well as the development of methodologies to assess disease severity and vaccine effectiveness.
Through presentations of her crucial findings at significant conferences, Nsofwa continues to demonstrate her role as a vital communicator in the global health community. Through these efforts, Nsofwa not only disseminates crucial research findings but also fosters collaboration and engagement within the scientific and public health sectors.
But Nsofwa’s work extends beyond the corporate sector; she is also dedicated to making an impact in her work through volunteering, charitable sectors and community contributions. Her work in Australia with Queensland Health as a community dietitian/nutritionist, particularly with the Indigenous Health Service, and her involvement in the Growing Years Project at Griffith University, reflect her dedication to improving health outcomes across diverse communities.
She says Griffith University played a pivotal role in shaping her career in research. “I distinctly remember carrying out my first PCR experiment and gel electrophoresis in one of the labs, confirming the presence of a particular gene—it was a thrilling experience.
“My time at Griffith University was instrumental in laying the foundation for my research career, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in the field of medical research and make meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge.”
Nsofwa says there are numerous challenges and changes anticipated in her industry, some of which are already underway. “The COVID-19 pandemic was probably the health sector's biggest challenge in recent years, and it has prompted significant shifts in how medical researchers approach our work.”
“It has reinforced the importance of our efforts and highlighted the crucial role of vaccine research in combating infectious diseases. I've observed a positive change in the public perception of vaccine research in Zambia, with a growing recognition of its value.”
Nsofwa anticipates further evolution within the industry over the next decade. “One significant trend I foresee is the emergence of more home-grown scientists driving innovation in vaccine development,” she says. “Additionally, there will likely be a notable increase in laboratory capacity to enhance disease diagnosis capabilities, enabling more efficient and accurate identification of pathogens.”
“In response to these anticipated changes, I plan to remain adaptable and proactive in my approach to research. This may involve staying abreast of emerging technologies, collaborating with local and international partners, and advocating for policies that support scientific innovation and healthcare infrastructure development.”
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