Niju Khoteja, Masters of Public Health student in Epidemiology Program at Saint Louis University, is the December feature of the Health Equity Edition of MCH Leads. In her blog entry, titled “Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding,” Niju applies MCH Competency 2 (Self-Reflection) and Competency 9 (Developing Others through Teaching, Coaching, and Mentoring) to her work with the Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town. “Breastfeeding advocacy is, at its core, a fight for health equity…Our efforts in promoting breastfeeding have always been rooted in the belief that every child deserves a healthy start in life, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Niju is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in epidemiology at Saint Louis University. Niju completed her bachelor’s degree in public health and has a strong passion for community health. She has been active in youth-led organizations for over four years. Niju’s journey led her to a profound understanding of health equity, particularly through work promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Having worked with marginalized communities in Nepal as a Participatory Support Officer for WaterAid, she saw firsthand how public health interventions can empower individuals to demand their basic rights, from access to safe drinking water to improving menstrual hygiene. These experiences have reinforced her commitment to addressing health disparities, especially in maternal and child health (MCH).Currently, Niju serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center of Excellence in MCHEducation, Science, and Practice at Saint Louis University. Niju is eager to continue her journey in public health, leveraging her skills and passion to bring about meaningful change and improve health outcomes for underserved populations.
Learn more about Niju’s contributions here!