Programmes
Click to view Summary of Programmes offered in each Partner Institution
1. MSc./Mphil in Applied Health Social Sciences - University of Ghana, Legon:
This is a one (1) year duration programme for the MSc. and two (2) years for the MPhil. The overall aim is to respond to the need to train medical health professionals with skills to work with communities and to be able to conduct social science research. Thus the programme will train professionals with ability to integrate social science models and constructs into public health research and practice. It prepares professionals to be sensitive to the socio-cultural and gender context of delivery of health services. The outcome is a pool of practical field health professionals. The MSc Applied Health Social Science programme is a 12 month full time residential course of two terms and subsequently field research for 6-12 months. The courses include aspects of Research Methods in Social Science, Social Epidemiology, and Community Mobilisation for Health and Development
2. M. Phil Anatomy – University of Ghana, Legon
The understanding of the human body structures is fundamental to the training and production of a medical doctor. There is a need to cover the areas of anatomy, histology and physiology so that the student is able to appreciate the science of the human body. Thus this programme aims at training MPhil level graduates who are highly skilled enough to impact knowledge and skills to undertake surgical operations. They should also be able to carry out research and teaching in Anatomy at the tertiary level.
3. Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences – Makerere University
Rationale: There is currently a widespread deficiency in terms of high skilled and knowledgeable human resource to support the health sector in Africa, including for training Masters graduates. There is the additional problem of brain drain and aging population of medical practitioners, and more often the training is done in the developed world. This PhD programmes aims to contribute training PhD level graduates for the health sector.
The PhD in Health Science programme at Makerere University is conducted largely as a FULL-TIME study programme of four years (one year of course work and 3 years for research) which will be the case in this mobility. This PhD programme offers training at an advanced level in all health science fields so as to meet the challenges of traditional and emerging diseases; rapid population growth; and dwindling health resources. It is particularly suited for researchers, teachers and managers in the health care system including training institutions of higher learning and research projects. The programme will contribute to staff development particularly in the Colleges of Health Sciences and Health Ministries and their research organisations.
The PhD is by course work consisting of 9 courses; teaching by doctoral students equivalent to 15 contact hours (1 Credit Unit); scientific communication consisting of seminars and scientific conferences (4 Credit Units); and a thesis consisting of 2 publications and 2 manuscripts (18 Credit Units).
Outcome: Strengthened capacity to provide graduate training in multiple health disciplines, and strengthened capacities of Ministries of Health to provide relevant policy guidance and effective service delivery.
4. Master of Nursing (Midwifery and Women’s Health) – Makerere University
Rationale: Maternal and Child health indices in developing countries are still unacceptably poor. Even the race to the 2015 Millennium Development Goals still shows unacceptable outcomes in maternal and child health. There is therefore need to train a pool of middle level professionals to address specifically maternal and child health concerns.
The purpose of the programme is to produce nurse educators, scholars, leaders, researchers, and practitioners to facilitate the development of healthcare and academic institutions and structures. The focus is on imparting skills that promote sustainable utilisation of knowledge, skills and scientific evidence. This will enhance the capacity of universities and community based facilities to address reproductive and women’s health in Africa.
Structure and content:
The Master of Nursing (Midwifery and Women’s Health) is by both course work and research. It is a day program and enrols students on a full-time basis for each of the two years of the program. Students are allowed a minimum period of two (2) years and a maximum of five (5) academic years. The courses of the program are organized under three strands as: core, clinical specialty and elective courses. The courses for this program are outlined below.
Outcome: Improved maternal and child health living conditions
5. Masters of Public Health (MPH) – Makerere University
Rationale: Public Health is concerned with community diagnosis to discover health problems in the community through epidemiological and observational studies to address several domains of health including environmental health, disaster management, nutrition, disease outbreaks and policies. Thus there is need to build a core of health professionals who are able to innovate and lead health service delivery but also implement public health care programs through evidence based approaches.
Objectives of the Masters Programe: To train medical scientists who are able to provide high quality health services in the communities and increase awareness about health threatening conditions.
Structure and content:
Biological basis of public health, Applied epidemiology, Applied Biostatistics I and Informatics, Field study 1, Health Policy and Primary Health Care, Health Planning and management, Health economics and finance, Communicable and non communicable disease control, Principles of Health Education and Training, Research and Methodology, Social and behavioural determinants of health, Field study II, Family and reproductive health, Demography and populations dynamics, Public Health Nutrition, Environmental health, Occupational Health, Health Ethics and Law, Applied epidemiology II, Applied Bio-Statistics II, Field study III and Research and dissertation.
6. MSc. Health Sciences Management – Uganda Martyrs University
Effective health care delivery depends on robust policies and health management systems, aspects which are generally weak in Africa. There is therefore need to train profeesionals able to plan, organize, implement and monitor health service delivery. The Objectives of the Masters Programme are :
- To provide practical and field-oriented training focused on the duties and responsibilities of health services managers in any of the countries of the Great Lakes Region.
- To provide a continually updated analysis of the Uganda health policy, health situation and health services, as an example.
- To promote and develop the analytical and critical thinking capabilities of the participants through interaction, discussion, practical exercises, guided reading.
- To promote and develop linkages and exchanges of knowledge and experiences between the university and relevant national and international institutions and organisations.
- To promote and develop contacts and exchanges of knowledge and experiences with districts, sub-districts and diocesan health offices, hospitals and other organisations in the field.
7. PhD in Medical Microbiology, Stellenbosch University
Rationale: Advances in microbiological studies, especially in molecular biology is unravelling aspects of causes and genetic markers for a number of human diseases. This PhD programme will offer advanced diagnostic interventions. This will address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola , Marburg, HIV and Tuberculosis. The capacity to offer such training is limited in several universities. Thus the Objectives of this PhD Programme are to train and produce highly qualified and skilled graduates with knowledge to provide high quality training in molecular sciences (especially PhD teaching staff to train both under and post graduates) and provision of diagnostic services. The duration of the PhD programme is 4 years equivalent to 8 semesters. It is by research and dissertation.
8. Masters in Cytopathology- Stellenbosch University
The cases of cervical cancer and cervical related conditions such as Trichomas vaginalis, Papilloma virus, Inflammatory cells, Candidiasis etc are on the increase in developing countries. The persons with specialist skills to manage these conditions are still inadequate. This programme therefore seeks to train and produce highly qualified personnel with Masters in Cytotechnology to offer Cytotechnological screening and treatment services to communities.
Outcome: Reduction of cervical cancer and cervical related conditions.
9. Masters in Microbiology and Masters in Virology - Stellenbosch University
Rationale: There is a need to improve diagnostic approaches to combat emerging and re-emerging conditions namely Tuberclosis, Cholera, fungal infections including Viral infections such as HIV, Marburg, Ebola in developing countries. Unfortunately, highly qualified skilled staff to offer this service are inadequate. The aim of these programmes is to produce highly skilled staff who will offer high quality diagnostic services.
Outcome: Improved quality of life in the communities with ultimate increased production.
10. PhD in Haematological Pathology - Stellenbosch University
The prevalence of haemogolobinopathies is increasing in developing countries, especially in Africa, such as sickle cell anaemia, leukaemias and other related conditions, requiring specialised interventions by highly skilled health professionals. Besides anaemia related complications are increasing among infants in developing countries. Hence the need to train the relevant health professionals to manage these health issues. The Objectives of the PhD programme are to produce highly knowledgeable personnel who are highly skilled and innovative, and to build academic capacity (PhD teaching staff) to train both under and post graduates. The duration is 4 years minimum 8 semesters. It is also by research and dissertation.
The expected outcome of this programme is increased capacity to effectively and efficienly manage haemogolobinopathies.
11. Masters of Dental Surgery in Peadiatric Dentistry – University of Nairobi
Rationale: There is need to inculcate the habit of good oral care right from childhood. Considering the changes in life styles with rampant tooth decay as a result of bottle feeding, early dental care among children is paramount. The MSc programme is designed to develop professionals to handle dental surgery issues amongst children. The objectives of the Masters programme include:
- To enhance the standards in the skills, knowledge and competence of the graduates in the care and practice of Paediatric Dentistry and to enable the graduates cope with the global challenges in the practice of Paediatric Dentistry.
- To train Paediatric dentists with skills, knowledge and competence to critically read scientific literature so as to put the findings of the research to best practice of patients and to also enhance their skills in conducting original research.
- To train Paediatric dentists with skills, knowledge and competence to be able to participate in the multi disciplinary management of Paediatric, adolescent patients and those with special needs
Outcome: Improved oral health of children and ultimately the population.
12. Masters of dental surgery in Prosthodontics – University of Nairobi
Rationale: A number of geriatrics have lost teeth resulting into poor nutrition, esthetics and loss of self esteem. The provision of prosthetic replacement would go along way in addressing this medical concern. Hence the need to train health professionals to address the concern. The Specific Objectives of the Masters programme are:
(i) Provide the MDS Prosthodontics candidates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the practice of Prosthodontics.
(ii) Provide sound experience in management of patients requiring oral rehabilitation with restorations, fixed and/or removable prostheses.
(iii) Enhance the fortification of the interdisciplinary management of Prosthodontics and other dental disciplines.
(iv) Train the MDS Prosthodontics graduates in research skills thus enabling them to undertake independent and original research project.
13. Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontology – University of Nairobi
Rationale: This is the most debilitating oral condition affecting mostly the adult population in most parts of the world, but increasingly more prominent in developing countries. Therefore this programmes aims at producing highly skilled graduates who wil provide health services to the communities affected by the problem. The Specific Objectives of the Masters programme are:
1. Train specialists who will be competent in all theoretical and practical skills pertinent to the speciality.
2. Equip students with current knowledge/skills from the biomedical sciences and relate the information to diagnosing, treating and maintaining patients with advanced periodontal diseases.
3. Equip students with skills to conduct literature searches and critically evaluate published data and thus contribute to the available research knowledge in the field of dentistry by carrying out and publishing an original research project.
4. Impart enhanced practical skills with improved self-appraisal and awareness.
5. Enhance the multidisciplinary approach towards the management of periodontal cases.
6. Understand the place of oral health care in the wider medical, psychological and social context.
Outcome: Improved oral quality of life
14. Masters of Dental surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery – University of Nairobi
Rationale: There is currently high prevalence of oral and maxillofacial cancer leading to disfiguration of a number of people in developing countries. Hence the need to build capacity to manage the above mentioned conditions. The specific Objectives of the Programme:
1. To provide candidates with a comprehensive background for the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a speciality.
2. To train candidates in research skills to enable them carry out independent and original research work.
Anticipated Outcome: Reduced incidence of the malformations
15. Master of Science in International Health Research Ethics (MSc. IHRE)- Moi University.
Rationale: The key consideration is the need to protect human participants in research in terms of their rights to body parts, compensation and right to consent, and to regulate the transfer of human material from one country to another.
The specific Objectives are:
1. Conduct training in International Research Ethics
2. Design, conduct and disseminate research
3. Review research proposals
4. Apply laws and regulation governing research.
5. Develop guidelines and procedures to govern conduct of research in institutions
6. Participate in ethical community engagement in research.
7. Provide leadership in research and ethics and serve as role models.
Outcome: Observance and improvement of human rights, and harmonization of transfer of human materials across countries.
Click to view Summary of Programmes offered in each Partner Institution