Samantha Santos DaSilva
Summary
Public health professional with over 10 years of experience in infectious disease control, outbreak response, and health systems strengthening. Expertise in zoonotic disease surveillance, One Health approaches, and emergency preparedness and response. Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, designing evidence-based strategies, and fostering partnerships to address health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. Skilled in project management, resource mobilization, and capacity building in diverse cultural and resource-constrained settings.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Health Advisor - South Africa/Ethiopia/DRC
Credence GHTASC supporting USAID
05.2020 - 01.2025
- Managed and provided strategic oversight for PEPFAR/USAID programs across Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa portfolios (totaling $656M)
- Conducted in-depth country-level performance analysis of PEPFAR implementing partners, identifying key trends to inform decision-making, and developed data-driven reports and visualizations
- Led budgeting and resource allocation during the Country Operational Planning (COP) process, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with program priorities
- Coordinated cross-sector efforts across technical areas, offering strategic guidance to USAID in-country teams to enhance program effectiveness
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement, contributing to policy discussions and strategic planning with host governments and USG interagency teams
- Delivered in-country technical assistance to advance PEPFAR programmatic efforts, aligning with global health priorities and HIV/AIDS response strategies
- Collaborated with the State Department’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) during country visits and COP development, supporting both budgetary and programmatic planning
- Supported the acquisition process by designing and procuring multi-million dollar awards, ensuring successful completion of GLAAS package components
Subject Matter Expert (COVID-19)
Krucial Staffing
01.2021 - 04.2022
- Conducted 50+ daily investigations for confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases in high-priority settings (childcare, community housing, assisted living facilities, etc)
- Provided technical leadership as part of the Public Health Task Force, managing COVID-19 response operations within an Incident Command structure
- Led a Strike Team in conducting case investigations, outbreak management, and infection control assessments, ensuring compliance with CDC guidelines
- Delivered training and guidance to 30+ contact tracers on quarantine, isolation, and testing protocols, improving response efficiency
- Conducted data analysis to inform decision-making and prepared reports for senior leadership
- Conducted site visits to migrant facilities to ensure implementation of infection control measures and provided ad hoc data analysis to support response efforts
Contact Tracer (COVID-19)
NORC at The University of Chicago
05.2020 - 01.2021
- Contacted an average of 30+ newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients per week, providing support, gathering critical exposure information, and guiding them through the next steps
- Assisted patients in recalling and identifying 5–10 close contacts per case, ensuring accurate tracing of potential exposures
- Conducted outreach to approximately 150+ close contacts per month, informing them of their exposure risk and providing guidance on quarantine and symptom monitoring
- Educated patients and contacts on public health protocols, including proper isolation measures and self-monitoring, to prevent further virus transmission
- Safeguarded patient confidentiality, handling sensitive health data in compliance with HIPAA and public health guidelines during interviews and follow-ups
Guinea Worm Disease Technical Advisor
The Carter Center
03.2019 - 10.2019
- Managed a team of 80+ field staff across 280 sites, reducing Guinea Worm Disease incidence through targeted surveillance, outbreak investigations, and behavioral change interventions
- Developed and implemented program goals aligned with WHO and CDC standards, focusing on eradication, case tracking, and response
- Streamlined data collection and analysis, reducing database cleaning time by 85% and enhancing real-time decision-making for outbreak management
- Built strong relationships with government officials and international partners to advance public health objectives and ensure efficient surveillance
- Trained staff in outbreak investigation techniques and behavioral change communication, improving intervention outcomes and leadership
- Conducted daily surveillance in high-risk sites, educating communities on transmission reduction and identifying new cases for investigation
- Managed logistics and supply chains, ensuring timely resource delivery and field functionality during outbreaks
- Produced monthly technical reports with data analysis, tables, and visualizations to guide effective surveillance and intervention decisions
- Advised the senior technical advisor on program progress, contributing to the development of monthly goals to enhance Guinea Worm eradication efforts
Tuberculosis Disease Intervention Specialist
Snohomish Health District
07.2017 - 03.2019
- Led 100+ outbreak investigations and contact tracing efforts, including multiple high-exposure TB cases at a family shelter
- Revamped standard operating procedures for TB management, enhancing compliance with state and federal regulations
- Collaborated with the Washington State Department of Health to improve digital disease surveillance systems
- Conducted community health fairs targeting the Marshallese population, addressing TB, diabetes, and hypertension risks
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive contact database for efficient outbreak investigations and public health interventions
- Utilized various electronic medical record (EMR) systems
- Increased access to preventative services by establishing partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders
Community Health Educator
United States Peace Corps
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Secured $5,000 in USAID grants to implement WASH and maternal health projects, achieving measurable improvements in community health outcomes
- Designed and delivered 4 capacity-building training for local health workers, improving program sustainability
- Built partnerships with WHO, CDC, and local NGOs to expand access to health services for vulnerable populations
- Led the construction of six bathrooms and six hand-washing facilities at a local high school, reducing absenteeism by 25%
- Organized two four-day camps for high-school students, focusing on WASH projects to reduce menstruation stigma
- Disseminated health education materials/presentations designed for appropriate health literacy levels
Education
Master of Public Health - Global Communicable Diseases
University of South Florida, College of Public Health
Tampa, FL08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL05.2012
Skills
- One Health Approach
- Emergency Response
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Health Promotion
- Emergency Preparedness
- Infectious Disease Control
- Public Health Education
- Organizational Skills
- Strategic planning
- Program development
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Cape Verdean Kriole
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Khmer
Limited Working
Timeline
Subject Matter Expert (COVID-19)
Krucial Staffing
01.2021 - 04.2022
Public Health Advisor - South Africa/Ethiopia/DRC
Credence GHTASC supporting USAID
05.2020 - 01.2025
Contact Tracer (COVID-19)
NORC at The University of Chicago
05.2020 - 01.2021
Guinea Worm Disease Technical Advisor
The Carter Center
03.2019 - 10.2019
Tuberculosis Disease Intervention Specialist
Snohomish Health District
07.2017 - 03.2019
Community Health Educator
United States Peace Corps
07.2015 - 06.2017
Master of Public Health - Global Communicable Diseases
University of South Florida, College of Public Health
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
University of South Florida
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