Beatrice’s story: Improving maternal healthcare for all

Your generous support allows Beatrice to carry out critical research on maternal healthcare to ensure that quality care is available to all. 

Beatrice is passionate about quality healthcare for all. Receiving the President’s PhD Scholarship, which fully covers her academic fees and living expenses, granted her the opportunity to pursue her clinical research on maternal healthcare without worrying about finances.

“The support I received has had a transformative impact on my academic journey at Imperial. Without this financial assistance, attending such a prestigious institution would have been beyond my financial reach. Receiving this support was not just a relief but also an immense joy. I truly appreciate it.”

Originally from Nigeria, Beatrice worked in public health before coming to Imperial. Her parents have always supported her aspirations for a career in public health: ‘The news of my scholarship was met with great excitement by my family, as it not only acknowledged my dedication but also opened the door to opportunities that were previously out of reach.’

“Your contributions have made my research possible. Thank you for making this dream a reality and for believing in the power of research to change lives.”

Beatrice’s work focuses on exploring women’s experiences with maternal healthcare in Nigeria, with the aim to enhance the overall quality of care. “I was drawn to this area of study due to Nigeria's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate, which accounts for about 28.5% of the global total. In 2018, only 43.3% of births in Nigeria were attended by skilled health attendants, highlighting a significant gap in the utilisation of maternal health services.”

Having the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive patient journey study, Beatrice was able to capture women’s experience of receiving maternal care, which is often overlooked in health policy interventions in Nigeria.

“The most rewarding aspect of my research is engaging directly with the communities, specifically the women who share their maternal healthcare experiences with me. Listening to their personal stories in the field not only anchors my research in actual situations but also enhances my grasp of the everyday challenges they encounter.”

Beatrice hopes that her research will help shape policies to ensure women have access to quality maternal healthcare. The study will further transform the healthcare landscape in Nigeria, guiding the creation of education programmes to empower women in making informed decisions about seeking healthcare.

“Receiving my acceptance was an exciting experience; it felt like a dream come true. I was not just happy; I was deeply moved, knowing I was about to embark on a journey that could transform my passion into meaningful contributions in the field of healthcare.”

Imperial’s reputation for research excellence and innovation lies behind Beatrice’s desire to study at Imperial. “I am fortunate to work under the guidance of dedicated supervisors who are experts in their fields. There are numerous seminars and workshops that offer chances to network with top professionals. These opportunities make my educational experience rewarding and stimulating.”

For Beatrice, one of the highlights of studying at Imperial has been the diversity of the staff and student community: “Being surrounded by students and faculty members from all over the world is an incredible experience that has enriched my academic and research endeavours. I get to learn from diverse perspectives and share my own, which I find truly amazing.”

After completing her PhD, Beatrice plans to work in a public health organisation where she can apply the knowledge and skills she developed at Imperial to make a difference in improving women’s health.

About the President’s PhD Scholarship

The President’s PhD Scholarship provides financial assistance to exceptional doctoral candidates. The scholarship is open to UK and overseas prospective students and covers full tuition fees and includes a stipend for four years and a consumables budget for the first three years.