Background

Leila is an infectious disease epidemiologist who joined Burnet in 2021 to start a PhD through Monash University. The aims of her project are to inform the strengthening of sustainable and effective surveillance for hepatitis B prevention, diagnosis, and management in the Pacific, with a focus on Vanuatu. The outcomes of this research will add to the understanding of the hepatitis B burden to guide public health prioritisation, as well as support reporting against global and regional strategies. Leila is also supporting the ACCESS Myanmar pilot as a Research Assistant.

Prior to joining the Burnet, Leila worked with the World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programmes at the Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. During her time at WPRO, Leila's work was mostly focused on outbreak surveillance and response.

Qualifications

• 2016: MPH, The Melbourne University, Australia
• 2013: Bachelor of Arts (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Sociology) Rice University, Texas, USA

Positions

• 2018-2021: Technical Officer WHO Health Emergencies, WPRO, Manila, Philippines
• 2018: Consultant WHO Health Emergencies, SEARO, New Delhi, India
• 2016-2017: Consultant WHO Health Emergencies, WPRO, Manila Philippines