FROM MATOLA “C” TO THE WORLD: THE MEDICAL DOCTOR WHO DREAMS, BELIEVES AND CONQUERS

Amélia Honwana, tuberculosis researcher at CISM

"I dreamed, I believed, and I achieved it!" This is how Amélia Honwana, a young researcher at the Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), sums up her journey, one of focus, sacrifice, and courage. A native of Matola "C" and trained in medicine in Russia, Amélia is one of the faces of the new generation of Mozambican women who dare to make their mark in science, even when conditions seem unfavorable.

Her story begins like that of many young people: she completed primary school at Maria Mogas School, then went on to Matola Secondary School, and, as a teenager, already dreamed of becoming a doctor. "In 12th grade, I applied to public universities, but I wasn't accepted into Medicine. I started studying Chemistry at UP while waiting for other opportunities. It was then that I applied for a scholarship. To my surprise, I was accepted the first time, with a seven-year scholarship to Russia," she says.

Far from her homeland, Amélia faced her first major challenge: adapting to a new country, a completely different language, and a healthcare system far removed from the Mozambican reality. "Studying abroad has advantages, but also many disadvantages. Upon returning, I felt the need to relearn, to immerse myself in our reality. I did an unpaid internship at Maputo Central Hospital to gain exposure to the most common diseases in Mozambique."

This effort to adapt was soon put to the test. With the COVID-19 pandemic, she was called to the front lines at the Polana Caniço Health Center. A few months later, in September 2021, she joined CISM, first in Mopeia, on the Bohemia project, and then in Manhiça, working in the tuberculosis area. "Some people asked: how can someone who studied in Russia go straight to Mopeia? But I always saw challenges as opportunities. There I encountered a harsh reality of poverty and long distances, but I grew a lot as a doctor and as a person."

The young researcher is 29 years old, the same age as CISM.

In Manhiça, the challenges took on a new dimension: balancing intense clinical duties with coordinating studies, in a fast-paced environment with multiple responsibilities. But it was also there that Amélia found inspiration in other women. "Dr. Tacilta is a great role model for me, for her dedication. And Caroline, with whom I worked in Mopeia, showed me that yes, it is possible for a young woman to lead an important component of research."

Being a woman in science, however, isn't simple. "It's not easy, especially because research requires constant movement and changes of location, which can weaken family ties. But I've always had an adventurous spirit. If I believe it's the right path, I follow it. And those who stay do so because they truly matter."

Recently won the Chevening Scholarship,

Recently, Amélia achieved another major milestone: she was selected for the prestigious Chevening scholarship from the British government and will attend the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. "The key was preparation. A year before, I knew what documents I needed, started practicing my English, and prepared my narrative. People are often afraid of the language, but it's possible to overcome it. The secret is to start early."

Beyond preparation, Amélia believes that the way she told her story was crucial. "Many people do extraordinary work, but they don't know how to communicate. I always tried to show the real impact on the community: how many people benefited, what changed, what my contribution was. For example, I presented the case of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Mopeia, including numerical data. It's not enough to say 'I did it.' You have to connect the action to the impact."

In the near future, Amélia hopes to return more qualified and ready to influence health policies and lead clinical trials in Mozambique. "I want to apply what I learned in Liverpool here. My commitment is to the community. I've always believed in the principle of 'giving back to the community.' I don't want this scholarship to be just a personal achievement, but a real contribution to the country."

I am proof that it is possible.

The young doctor takes the opportunity to offer advice to women who, like her, dream of scholarships and careers in science. “You have to pursue opportunities. Prepare in advance and seek guidance from those who have already been through the process. And, above all, don't be afraid. If we look at the country, the majority of research team leaders are men. This isn't a problem in itself, but we women must also occupy these positions. We can and should! I am proof that it is possible.”

Amélia thus symbolizes a generation of Mozambican women determined to transform science into a tool for social change. Her journey inspires not only her individual efforts, but also her clear vision that the true value of research lies in the concrete impact it generates in communities.