NOMA: Master of Science in Epidemiology
This project aims to develop a two-year Master of Philosophy in Epidemiology with particular focus on major health challenges in the region (HIV/TB and Malaria). The master will be offered by the University of Zambia.
Main content
Funding: NOMA
Coordinator: Knut Fylkesnes
Main partner: Department of Community Medicine, University of Zambia
Other partners: Department of Community Health,
University of Malawi College of Medicine
Duration: 2010-2014
Background:
The new international health initiatives (on HIV, TB, Malaria etc.) have drastically increased the financial basis for action to reduce global health gaps. Due to limited investment in local capacities, however, the high influx of funds is often not spent on locally relevant programmes.
The tragic failures in HIV prevention in SS-Africa is a likely symptom of a long-standing “capacity crisis”. Capacity building in epidemiological methods/research is among the most urgent actions needed in this regard. Epidemiology is the cornerstone methodology of public health and relies on a number of scientific disciplines (biology, demographic and social sciences). However, training opportunities are very limited at African universities.
This project will develop a new two-year Master of Philosophy in Epidemiology with particular focus on major health challenges in the region (HIV/TB and Malaria). The programme is to be offered by the Department of Community Medicine, University of Zambia, and will gratify urgent training needs in the region.
The programme will be run in cooperation with the Centre for International Health, University of Bergen. These two institutions have been successful partners in research and capacity building since 2002. Department of Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine is an additional partner institution.
