Action over perfection: a Cape Town epidemiologist's experience at WHO

^{Photo credit: WHO/R. Velasco}

Natacha Berkowitz, an epidemiologist and public health clinician for City Health, City of Cape Town, South Africa, recently spent four weeks at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of a residency under her work with the Partnership for Healthy Cities.

Q: What was the purpose of your visit to WHO headquarters?

A: My mission was twofold: first, to learn from WHO technical units about strategies for improving urban health in Cape Town, and second, to provide WHO colleagues with an operational perspective on their work, fostering collaboration and networking.

Q: What were your top three takeaways from your visit?

A: One of my key takeaways from WHO was the importance of bridging the gap between technical expertise and practical implementation. While WHO possesses a wealth of knowledge and resources related to urban health, translating this into user-friendly tools for those working on the ground can be a challenge. It was encouraging to see that WHO colleagues are aware of this issue and actively seeking solutions to make their expertise more accessible.

I also gained valuable insights into systems thinking during my time at WHO. Understanding how various components within a system interact and influence each other is crucial for effective public health interventions. This experience broadened my perspective on how local efforts in Cape Town can connect with and contribute to the work of global health organizations.

Finally, I was reminded of the power of human connection in driving meaningful change. Building relationships and fostering collaboration are essential for tackling complex health challenges. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues at the WHO on a personal level, reinforcing the idea that we are all working together towards a common goal.

Q: What is the biggest thing you are bringing back to Cape Town?

A: A key takeaway is the importance of taking action rather than striving for perfection. The WHO experts I met emphasized the need to start implementing solutions, even if they aren't perfect, to achieve progress. I also learned about several practical frameworks, particularly in urban health programme implementation, air quality analysis and behavioural interventions for food environments, which I plan to apply in Cape Town.

Q: What are the biggest urban health challenges facing Cape Town?

A: South Africa suffers from extreme inequality, and Cape Town reflects this reality. Poverty and its associated consequences, such as poor health, are major challenges. While there are policies and strategies in place, ensuring inclusivity and preventing the marginalization of vulnerable communities remains a key concern. Another challenge is effectively communicating the impact of health issues on communities and the economy to political and organizational leaders.

Q: What recommendations do you have for others participating in this programme?

A: To make the most of a residency programme like this, it's essential to go in with a clear goal in mind. Defining your objectives and areas of interest beforehand will help you focus your efforts and maximize your experience.

With so many opportunities available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't try to do everything. Instead, choose a specific area to concentrate on, allowing you to delve deeper and gain more meaningful insights.

Remember that the benefits of this kind of experience extend far beyond the residency itself. Building relationships and fostering collaboration can lead to long-term partnerships and ongoing opportunities for professional growth. Approach the experience with a proactive and positive mindset, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Q: Any final key messages you would like to share?

A: I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It allowed me to step away from routine work and engage in thoughtful discussions with WHO colleagues. It was encouraging to see their dedication to addressing health challenges at the ground level. This experience has reinforced my optimism about the possibility of creating positive change in public health.

Cape Town is a member of the Partnership for Healthy Cities. The Partnership for Healthy Cities, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vital Strategies, is a global network of 74 cities whose mayors have committed to prevent NCDs – including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and chronic lung disease – and injuries through proven interventions.