Masters of Science in Disease Control
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International Course
October 1998 - September 1999 (French)
October 1999 - September 2000 (English)
Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine
Antwerp, Belgium
Options: Tropical Diseases
Reproductive Health
1. BACKGROUND
The development and implementation of cost-effective interventions to
reduce the burden of specific health disorders is a key element of
public health practice. This new master course aims to equip profes-
sionals and scientists with the knowledge and skills that will allow
them to develop and support programmes for the prevention and control
of specific health problems in low and middle income countries.
The course draws on the unique expertise of the Institute of Tropical
Medicine in Antwerp, combining in-depth knowledge of specific disease
systems with extensive expertise in applied epidemiology and the or-
ganisation of health services.
The course provides qualitative and quantitative methods for the ap-
praisal of health problems, and concepts, strategies and tools for
specific interventions. Depending on the option, participants will
gain a thorough expertise in tropical disease control or reproductive
and sexual health.
2. OBJECTIVES
The course addresses itself to health professionals and scientists
who are or will be involved in the prevention and control of diseases
in low and middle income countries. The objectives of the course are:
- to train participants in quantitative and qualitative methods nec-
essary to assess specific health problems, and to design, monitor
and evaluate health interventions.
- to provide an understanding of the main issues in the implementa-
tion of prevention and control strategies for diseases within the
context of the existing health care system.
- to enable participants to apply the acquired knowledge and skills
to the prevention and control of tropical diseases, or reproductive
health problems including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
3. COURSE ORGANISATION
The course lasts for 12 months (October-September) and is organised
in 4 sequential terms of three months each. The teaching language is
French or English, alternating yearly. In 1998-1999 the language will
be French.
The first two terms consist of core units to provide students with
the quantitative and qualitative skills for the assessment and analy-
sis of health problems and health-related interventions, and with the
concepts and methods of health services organisation.
The third term consists of two optional modules in which the concepts
and skills acquired in the first two terms are applied to HIV / re-
productive health or tropical diseases. This term will also be of-
fered as a short course to external participants.
The fourth term will be spent on the writing of an individual disser-
tation. Students are invited to bring their own data for this pur-
pose.
Option Tropical Diseases
In this module, students will gain in-depth knowledge of major tropi-
cal disease systems: malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis,
leishmaniasis, TB/Leprosy, HIV/AIDS. Skills acquired during the first
two terms will be applied to these diseases for the planning, imple-
mentation and evaluation of integrated control strategies.
4. EVALUATION AND DIPLOMA
In the fourth term, students will write a dissertation, preferably on
material they bring for that purpose from their home country. This
dissertation will be defended in front of an international jury com-
posed of the course co-ordinator(s) and external experts.
The diploma of Masters of Sciences in Disease Control will be awarded
to participants who have successfully passed tests and completed and
defended their thesis.
Students who participated in all activities but failed to pass exams
or meet thesis requirements will receive a certificate of attendance.
A second chance to pass may be offered at the discretion of the jury.
5. ENROLMENT PROCEDURES
Health professionals and scientists who are, or will be, involved in
the epidemiology, prevention and control of diseases in low and mid-
dle income countries are encouraged to apply. A university degree
(physician, biologist, pharmacists, others) is required. Two years or
more of relevant experience are highly recommended.
The course starts in October and lasts for twelve months. Good knowl-
edge of the course language (French or English), certified by an ac-
credited test or equivalent is essential. Participants of the French
course should preferably have a working knowledge of English. The
tuition fee is 450,000 BF. Fellowships can be obtained from various
sources.
The application form should reach the Course Secretariat before March
15th every year. A selection committee will evaluate all applications
on a comparative basis, and the outcome will be notified at the ear-
liest possible date.
For more information contact:
Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine
Nationalestraat 155
B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Tel: +32-3-247-6666
Fax: +32-3-216-1431
Telegram: Metropical Antwerpen
Telex 31648 TROPIC (B)
mailto:dir@itg.be
http://www.itg.be
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