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LSE Department of Health Policy

Our Student

Christopher Bwanika

Executive MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management 

The HEMP programme is perfect for anyone in full time employment wanting to gain a deeper understanding of health economics and policy.

The quality of the teaching is incredibly high, and the opportunity to dive deeper into topics with faculty is always there.

Katie Young, Manager, EY

 

Chris Bwanika HEPM Profile Pic

  • Programme studied: Executive MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management

Could you give a brief introduction of yourself?

As an independent consultant with a profound commitment to health economics and policy analysis, I am dedicated to the pursuit of equity in healthcare. My journey reflects a deep-seated passion for addressing the systemic challenges of health inequity and inequality, particularly within resource constrained settings.

My expertise, honed through years of impactful work with UNAIDS TSM consulting and as a champion for health initiatives in Uganda, is driven by a vision to foster sustainable health systems and policies. My strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping HIV prevention strategies and advocating for marginalized communities.

My goal is to leverage my grassroots experience in Sub Saharan Africa to inspire and implement transformative health policies that resonate on a global scale.

What made you decide to join Executive MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management?

The decision to join the Executive MSc Health Economics, Policy and Management at LSE was not merely a choice but a calling resonating with my innermost convictions.

With over a decade of dedicated service in public health, HIV AIDS, and the NGO initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, my passion has always been to make a meaningful impact on a broader scale. The LSE’s rich diversity of students, many of whom are positioned at impactful managerial levels, promised a stimulating and intellectually nourishing environment. This aspiration was ignited further by LSE’s promise of diverse and impactful learning. The motto “Rerum cognoscere causas,” translating to “to know the cause of things,” spoke directly to my core desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of healthcare management. Coupled with the university’s stellar reputation and the achievements of its inspirational alumni, it offered a pathway for me to transcend conventional boundaries and be part of a movement that strives to create lasting change in the global health landscape.

Now that you have completed the programme, how did you find it? What was the most exciting aspect of your programme experience? 

The programme was an intricate yet rewarding part of my life’s journey. It was a transformative experience, interwoven with the tapestry of my life’s agonies and ecstasies. Amidst a backdrop of COVID-19 derived personal loss and the recent global crisis, the programme challenged me intellectually and enriched me personally. Its blend of academic excellence and real-world application resonated with my own journey of triumph over adversity resulting in a profound educational experience that extended beyond mere academics.

Chris was the winner of the The Brian Abel-Smith Prize for Best Dissertation in 2022/23. 

Do you have any comment on receiving the Brian Abel-Smith Prize in Best Dissertation?

Receiving the Brian Abel-Smith Prize in Best Dissertation is both a humbling and invigorating experience. It represents not just a recognition of academic achievement, but also an affirmation of a deeply personal concern that has far-reaching implications for us all. I was inspired to focus my dissertation on a paradox in healthcare that I had personally experienced and witnessed. My exploration of Catastrophic Health Expenditure, an unexpected consequences of abolishing user charges in healthcare has through this award, illuminated a complex issue where greater access doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. The fact that this personal inquiry resonated with my professors, earning me an award, was both humbling and thrilling. This award energizes my commitment to delve further into these challenges, seeking solutions to the inequality that can lurk behind even well-intentioned policies. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the questions closest to our hearts can lead to discoveries that resonate with others and inspire change.

If you would like to feature in our Student Stories series, being a current student or graduate, please contact HealthPolicy.Marketing@lse.ac.uk. 

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