University Fernando Pessoa/Instituto Nacional de Saúde of Mozambique, Mozambique
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo is a leading public health expert from Mozambique, with over a decade of experience in environmental health, epidemiology, and the intersection of climate change and public health. Holding a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Health from Fernando Pessoa University in Portugal and a Master’s in Public Health from the Science and Technology Higher Education Institute in Mozambique, Dr. Marrufo has made remarkable contributions to health system resilience and climate adaptation. Her work at the National Institute of Health (INS) includes leading the Climate, Environment and Health Platform, directing strategic programs on environmental and occupational health, and coordinating Mozambique’s first National Adaptation Plan for Health. She played a pivotal role in the development of early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria and cholera. Dr. Marrufo has been recognized for her efforts to integrate climate services with public health policy, and her research outputs include high-impact publications on disease modeling, vulnerability assessments, and COVID-19. Her leadership, interdisciplinary skills, and commitment to evidence-based policy-making position her as a key figure in African public health innovation. With her global engagements, she continues to bridge research, policy, and practice, working to safeguard communities from the impacts of environmental change.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo possesses an impressive academic foundation in medicine, public health, and environmental health. She began her journey in the health sciences at Eduardo Mondlane University, where she obtained her degree in Medical Sciences in 2008. This solid grounding in clinical medicine enabled her to understand the practical realities of patient care in Mozambique. Motivated by a broader interest in public health, she pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at the Science and Technology Higher Education Institute (ISCTEM), completing it in August 2021. Her MPH studies deepened her understanding of health systems, epidemiology, and disease prevention strategies. Dr. Marrufo’s academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Health from Fernando Pessoa University in Portugal, which she completed in September 2022. Her doctoral research focused on the interrelation between environmental conditions and public health outcomes, particularly within the context of climate-sensitive diseases. Her educational pathway reflects a consistent evolution from clinical knowledge to complex public health challenges influenced by environmental and climate dynamics. Through her interdisciplinary academic training, Dr. Marrufo has developed a unique perspective that integrates ecological, medical, and public health insights—essential for addressing the multifaceted health challenges posed by climate change in Mozambique and beyond.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo has cultivated a distinguished professional career focused on public health and environmental resilience. Since 2015, she has worked at Mozambique’s National Institute of Health (INS), where she has held several high-level roles. From 2016 onward, she led the Climate, Environment and Health Platform of the National Health Observatory, a pioneering initiative assessing climate change impacts on diseases such as malaria and diarrhea. Between 2019 and July 2024, she served as Head of the Central Office of the Technical Secretariat, contributing to national health policy formulation. She currently coordinates the Strategic Program on Environmental Health, which includes Occupational Health, focusing on mitigating environmental risks and enhancing community health responses. Dr. Marrufo has overseen vital initiatives such as the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (2019) and the Climate Environment and Health Research Agenda (2022–2031). She also led research on the health impacts of cyclones and has contributed to strengthening health systems’ resilience. Early in her career, she worked at the Centro de Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Etnobotânica and held an academic role at ISCTEM, teaching pharmacology. Through these positions, Dr. Marrufo has consistently demonstrated leadership, vision, and a commitment to integrating scientific evidence into national health strategies.
Research Interests
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate science, public health, and epidemiology. Her work is particularly focused on understanding how environmental and climatic factors influence the prevalence and distribution of infectious diseases in Mozambique. She is deeply engaged in researching the impacts of extreme weather events—such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones—on diseases like malaria, cholera, and diarrhea, which remain significant public health challenges in the region. Additionally, Dr. Marrufo is interested in health system resilience, particularly how to design and implement early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases. Her involvement in the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and the development of Mozambique’s Health National Adaptation Plan reflects her dedication to long-term public health planning in the face of climate change. She also explores occupational health, nutrition, and the integration of environmental surveillance into public health systems. Through her research, Dr. Marrufo aims to inform policy and strengthen adaptive capacity in low-resource settings. Her publications address spatial and temporal disease modeling, socio-demographic risk factors during pandemics, and evidence-based approaches to climate-health linkages. These interests position her as a multidisciplinary researcher with a unique perspective on global health, sustainability, and resilience.
Research Skills
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo possesses a diverse array of research skills that enable her to tackle complex public health challenges related to climate and environmental change. Trained in applied epidemiology at Emory University and in mathematical modeling at the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Italy, she brings a quantitative edge to her research. Her technical capabilities include triangulating environmental, climate, and health data, which she honed during training with the Brazilian Climate and Health Observatory. She is proficient in using statistical tools such as STATA, SPSS, and Epi-Info for data analysis and is skilled in developing and interpreting regression models to assess disease-environment relationships. Dr. Marrufo is adept at vulnerability assessments, impact evaluations, and geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial analysis, which she applies to forecast disease outbreaks and inform early warning systems. Additionally, she has substantial experience in qualitative research methods, mixed-methods studies, and public health systems analysis. Her coordination of the National Health Research Agenda and her leadership in various national adaptation assessments showcase her abilities in project design, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. These research competencies, combined with her interdisciplinary academic background, empower her to deliver innovative and actionable insights in the field of environmental and public health.
Awards and Honors
While Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo’s curriculum vitae does not list specific formal awards, her distinguished career and recognition at both national and international levels reflect her status as a leading expert in public health and climate-health intersections in Mozambique. Her selection for advanced training at esteemed institutions like Emory University, FIOCRUZ in Brazil, and the ICTP in Italy attests to her academic excellence and global research relevance. Furthermore, she has been consistently invited to speak at high-profile international conferences and symposiums, such as COP26, the International Conference on Climate Services, and the IANPHI Annual Meeting, demonstrating her thought leadership and recognition among international peers. Her leadership roles within the National Institute of Health—particularly as the Head of the Technical Secretariat and Coordinator of national environmental health programs—represent significant institutional trust in her expertise. The pioneering initiatives she has led, including Mozambique’s first Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and the Climate Environment and Health Research Agenda, are landmark achievements. Through these accomplishments, Dr. Marrufo has received informal but impactful honors: influence over national policy, academic recognition, and a leadership position within the scientific and health governance communities—making her a strong contender for high-level research accolades.
Conclusion
Dr. Tatiana Jorge Marrufo exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking, impactful, and committed public health researcher. Her unique ability to integrate environmental science, public health, and epidemiological modeling makes her work both locally relevant and globally significant. Through her strategic roles at the National Institute of Health and her involvement in national and international research collaborations, Dr. Marrufo has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also driven policy development and public health action. Her contributions to the development of Mozambique’s Health National Adaptation Plan and the Climate and Health Research Agenda reflect her visionary leadership in climate-resilient health systems. Despite not having a long list of formal awards, her influence and recognition through speaking engagements, research leadership, and institutional trust are undeniable testaments to her professional excellence. Her multidisciplinary skills, from data analysis to stakeholder engagement, position her as a catalyst for change in climate-health integration. With her continued dedication and strategic insight, Dr. Marrufo is exceptionally well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. As the world grapples with the health implications of climate change, her work stands as a model of innovation, resilience, and scientific rigor in the Global South.
Publications Top Notes
-
Title: Integration and use of climate data by the national health system in Mozambique
-
Authors: J. Pinto, Judite; N. Cossa, Nelson; M. Ferrari, Mara; T.J. Marrufo, Tatiana J.; A.P. Cardoso, Ana Paula
-
Year: 2025