If you’ve been reading my blogs (have you?), then you may have noticed that I’ve mentioned quite a few times that my cohort represents the first-ever 2 year programme within the Master in Global Health. You see, before Autumn 2025, the programme was only one year long and, after some feedback from previous cohorts, the decision was made to revise the curriculum and was officially given the lifespan of two years (shoutout to those classes, because I would be spiraling if I were to be a KI alumni right now).  

What this means: we are the first global health students to be considered “second-years”, and that comes with quite the package. But, as much as I love talking about my class, the fact that we get to call ourselves second-years means that there are now first-years to begin with! And, if you thought the new class would not be able to match what came last year, you’re right, my class is still the best! Just kidding, of course. Pettiness aside, the newcomers are just as diverse, fun, professional, and have come to form their own kind of melting pot of experience. Global health at KI has doubled in size, and with that comes a much necessary new series of student spotlights. Let us begin: Meet Goodluck!

How old are you, where are you from, and what were you doing before coming to KI?

I’m 29 years old and come from Tanzania. Before joining KI, I worked as a medical doctor and research coordinator in the Pediatric Oncology Department at Bugando Medical Centre, where I managed clinical care, supported research projects, and worked closely with families affected by childhood cancer.

What led you to global health?

During my clinical work, I noticed a painful pattern: many children with cancer arrived at the hospital too late for effective treatment, and some abandoned therapy altogether because of misconceptions or lack of awareness that children can get cancer. It became clear to me that “being a clinician alone is sometimes not enough”. I wanted to gain advanced skills in research and implementation science to design culturally sensitive awareness interventions that improve early diagnosis and survivorship in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

What have you enjoyed about the programme so far? 

I’ve really enjoyed the diversity of the classroom, students from more than 30 nationalities, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. The learning environment is engaging and safe, encouraging us to question, analyze, and challenge concepts rather than memorise them. I also appreciate that our professors are experts in their fields; learning directly from people shaping global health practice is invaluable.

What is your favorite thing to do in Sweden?

I love hiking, exploring new places, and spending time in nature. In 2023, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Since arriving in Sweden, I’ve joined the KI student hiking group, our most recent adventure was a 10 km hike around Drottningholm Palace, which was a beautiful way to experience Swedish nature.

In short

Needless to say, it’s clear that– mind you, for the second time in a row– global health does really attract people with every kind of experience you can imagine (or can’t). Like I’ve been saying for a year now, this truly is the uniqueness of the programme, and getting to know our fellow juniors is quite the add-on for us seniors. Proof of it right here, where both classes joined for a cozy potluck to get to know each other. 

Sadly, this time I had to miss the magical get-together because I started a research internship today (wink, wink) and spent the day in lovely Uppsala. I say this not to take the spotlight from the Global Health newbies (or maybe subconsciously I am, who knows?), but rather to give you some foreshadowing of the next blog to come: to internship or not to internship as a Global Health student. Anyway, hope you’re enjoying the last bits of sunrays of the season (please, go outside– winter is coming). Talk soon!