Tackling global health challenges – an interview with Maya Semrau
Across the world, millions of people live with diseases connected to their local environment. For Dr Maya Semrau, developing contextualised interventions is key to improving quality of life for those affected.
Introducing...
Working within our Global Health and Infection Department, Dr Maya Semrau has a particular focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) – some of which are caused by pathogens ranging from viruses, bacteria and parasites to fungi and toxins. The impact of NTDs is complex, with affected people facing devastating physical disabilities, mental health issues, economic challenges and social stigma.
As Senior Research Fellow in Implementation Research, Maya’s work explores how people living with NTDs can be better supported through services applied at a local level. Her approach aims to not only improve the lives of individuals, but also their wider communities.
We caught up with Maya to discuss her journey into global health and implementation research, along with the importance of developing equitable, international partnerships underpinned by trust and longevity.
Tell us about your academic journey.
My journey actually started at Sussex, when I studied for my undergraduate degree in Human Sciences. I’ve always wanted to know what makes humans tick, so I decided to study for a Masters in Psychology here too.
As I considered my next steps, I stumbled upon the field of global mental health, which was still pretty new at the time. It seemed to connect my background in psychology with my passion for global issues, which had continued to grow after leaving school, when I’d volunteered at a children’s home in Sri Lanka and spent time in Scotland supporting adults with additional needs.
After graduating from Sussex, I then spent a decade at King’s College London, where I completed a second Masters in Mental Health Services Research, followed by a PhD.
Having returned to Sussex nearly seven years ago, my work now explores how we can implement strategies to address complex health challenges in the world around us, and provide more people with access to high-quality, sustainable support services.
What makes implementation research different to other approaches?
Implementation research involves learning the ‘how’ of doing something in a particular context. How can we achieve the outcomes we want to achieve, and what are the potential barriers to doing so?
Some research is conducted in controlled environments to demonstrate that a particular approach works. It’s easy to assume that we can then apply this approach more widely, but there can be many barriers to doing so, particularly in global health. People might not have access to clean water, for example, or are resistant to vaccination.
I’m interested in how insights from previous interventions can help us figure out how we can sustain success over a longer period of time, and also how we can translate successful approaches to different areas, cultures and communities.
Rather than collecting findings in lab conditions, we discover what works in real-world contexts.” Dr Maya Semrau
Senior Research Fellow in Implementation Research
What attracted you to Sussex, and why have you continued conducting your research here?
I mainly grew up in Germany, but my dad studied at Sussex in the 70s. I knew that the University had very liberal, forward-thinking values, which definitely encouraged me to apply.
Perhaps it’s because I was so young when I first came here, or because I’ve always maintained strong networks across Brighton, but coming back to Sussex later in my career really felt like coming home.
I’m particularly proud to work in the Centre for Global Health Research because we place so much emphasis on building sustainable, inclusive, equitable partnerships with colleagues and communities across the world. These relationships are only successful if they have the space to develop and shape lasting change, which is evident in the work of colleagues such as Professor Gail Davey OBE. Gail was based in Ethiopia for years and continues to lead amazing work on podoconiosis, which ensures our connections in the region continue to flourish.
Our research culture feels really interdisciplinary. I'm inspired every day by working alongside medical anthropologists, health economists, implementation researchers, experts in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and many other colleagues who are making a tangible difference in their fields. Being able to connect with people from all sorts of backgrounds is hugely beneficial, because global health challenges are complex and we can’t tackle them alone.
How would you define your area of specialism?
My work is embedded within the Centre’s incredible NTD programmes established in countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia and Sudan. I’m involved in different strands of research, but my background enables me to pay particular attention to the mental health implications of people affected by NTDs.
Recently, for example, I’ve been involved in a project aiming to develop, implement, scale-up and evaluate a care package for people with lower limb lymphoedema, which is characterised by swelling of the lower leg. This condition often affects barefoot farmers in Ethiopia, because one of its underlying diseases, podoconiosis, is caused by exposure to volcanic soil.
Supported by the Ministry of Health, we’ve implemented services that not only offer physical support to people affected by lymphoedema, but also psychological and social support too.
Would you say that your work is underpinned by collaboration?
Very much so. I think building equitable partnerships with overseas colleagues and affected communities is absolutely central to the field of global health.
As a Centre, our research is always rooted within a local context. We're mindful that things may work in some areas but not in others, so we collaborate with local experts and people who have lived experience to gather vital insights and feedback. We also involve policymakers and decision-makers from the very beginning, because their support is vital in sustaining solutions over time and at scale.
In our lymphoedema care package project in Ethiopia, for example, we invited stakeholders such as affected people and health providers to help us decide what should be included, and then supplied the care package to three districts before evaluating how the implementation went. Rather than collecting findings in lab conditions, we discover what works in real-world contexts.
Being able to conduct research in live settings is so important to me, and it’s fulfilling to feel like your projects have an impact on people’s lives and futures.
How do you engage broader audiences in your work?
I’m involved in various networks that help me to share ideas and knowledge with fellow experts in global health. I’m currently the Deputy Chair of the NTD NGO Network (NNN) and the Disease Management, Disability and Inclusion Working Group. I’m also part of the World Health Organization Skin NTD Working Group, where we address issues around the psychosocial aspects of NTDs.
As a Centre, we regularly engage with parliamentarians through the All Party Parliamentary Group for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, where we explain what we do and why our work is important. A few years ago, the UK aid budget was drastically cut, which had a catastrophic impact on many NTD programmes. Increasing political awareness of our field can help us maintain the support and awareness we need to continue our vital work.
What advice would you give to people interested in pursuing global health research?
Research journeys aren’t always linear, so don’t be put off if something doesn’t work out the way you initially expected. My interests have unfolded really organically, and everyone comes up against challenges in their career. If you’re truly interested in a particular area, keep going – it’s so rewarding when it works out.
Global health is also just such a great field to work in. I’d say we're a pretty friendly, approachable bunch here at the Centre, so if you’d like to discuss anything about our projects, don’t be afraid to get in touch!