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Okima Innocent Lawrence

Community Stakeholder Engagement Officer
Target Malaria Uganda

Stakeholder Engagement
Uganda
English

What do you do with Target Malaria, and what do you enjoy about your work?
I am a Community Stakeholder Engagement Officer with Target Malaria Uganda. My role involves building trusted relationships with communities, coordinating engagement activities, and ensuring that local voices are integrated into our project processes. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to connect science with people in meaningful ways — helping communities understand our research while also listening and learning from them.

What motivated you to enter this line of work?
I was drawn to this field by a deep desire to see communities thrive, especially after learning about the devastating impact malaria has had on families — particularly children under five. With a background in social work, I came to recognize the critical link between effective community engagement and successful public health interventions in malaria-endemic regions. Joining a science-driven team like Target Malaria, which values ethical and inclusive engagement, made the decision a natural fit.

Who are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by local leaders and community health champions who work tirelessly in remote areas, often with limited resources. Their dedication to improving the well-being of their communities, despite significant challenges, reminds me of the power and importance of grassroots action in driving meaningful change.

Do you have any advice to other Young Scientists?
Be curious and stay grounded. Science is powerful, but its true impact is realized when it’s communicated with empathy and applied in ways that genuinely improve lives. Never underestimate the value of collaboration, humility, and active listening — especially when working closely with communities.