Irina Mariamo Ustá Mbanze

  • Country of Origin: Mozambique
  • Home University: Eduardo Mondlane University
  • Host University & Country: University of Cape Town - South Africa
  • PhD Title: Iron deficiency in young patients with acute heart failure (IDYP-aHF study)
  • Year of Completion: 2028
Irina Mariamo Ustá Mbanze

PhD Overview

Heart failure (HF) is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide. Recently studies from high income countries have shown a high prevalence of iron deficiency in HF patients. There is a scarcity of data about the prevalence of heart failure and iron deficiency in Mozambique, so we will conduct an observational study in Maputo Central Hospital, in Maputo, Mozambique with the aim to describe the etiology, clinical presentation and 6 months outcomes of young patients hospitalized with acute heart failure and determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in this cohort.

Sustainability Goals

  • Gender Equality
  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Reduced Inequalities

About Me

I’m a Mozambican medical doctor, who was the first in the country to become a cardiologist at age of 31 years old. During my journey, I had the honor to receive three international awards, the first from American Thoracic Society during my fellowship in cardiology, the second, at the beginning of my career as Cardiologist, from Women as One and the third, from Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future when I decided to apply to PhD program at University of Cape Town one year ago. I’m very proud of these well recognized achievements, however I have a long career ahead with several challenges to overcome. I hope I can grow and contribute to improvements in health care programs in my country.