Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) ANTWERP - BELGIUM
Short course in Health Policy (2008)
Course Co-ordination:
Tom Hoeree, Valéria C. Da Silveira
Academic Co-ordination:Wim Van Damme
Course Directors:Jean-Pierre Unger, Patrick Van der Stuyft, Guy Kegels, Course Secretariat:An Pattyn, Claire Van Maerken HSMP-PMSS@itg.be or CIPS-ICHD@itg.be
Tel: +(32)3 2476309 Fax:+(32)3 2476543
1. Objectives
The aim of this course is to empower participants to play an active role in the development of public health policies in developing countries. Health policies from different contexts and continents are studied. The process of their formulation and implementation and the evaluation of their results are analyzed. The role of international aid on health policies and the influence of the principles of the market economy on health sector reforms are scrutinized.
The course is experience based. This means that in case studies, seminars,
group- and individual work, participants are invited to present their analyses and propositions, and discuss with invited guest lecturers (academics and professionals).
2. Course Programme and Content
The short course in Health Policy has a study load of approx. 300 hours equivalent to 10 ECTS credits. This year (2008) the course will start on March 3rd and end on April 25th.
- The role and levers of the state and mechanisms for financing the health sector (including systems based on health insurance and tax-based systems) are discussed in depth. The role of international aid in the formulation of health policies and in the functioning and financing of the sector will get particular attention.
- Participants will evaluate actual country cases using analytical frameworks developed for the health sector. They will also apply research methods from political sciences (like stakeholder analysis) in order to better understand the interests of different actors, including the relationship between the Ministry of Health and non-governmental actors (civil society, commercial sector, bi- and multilateral international organizations and the new public-private partnerships).
- Emerging challenges, including those that ask for multi-sector approaches will be discussed. Reconstruction of health systems (post-conflict or -disaster) and the implications for health policy of the burden of HIV are two topics that will be discussed in depth.
3. Evaluation and Credits
The evaluation of participants consists of three elements: presentation of assignments (20% of total mark), a written test (20%) and an oral synthetic exam (60%). A Credit Certificate is issued for those that pass (else, a Certificate of Attendance is provided).
4. Admission Requirements and Language
The short course is open to holders of a master's diploma in public health (MPH) or equivalent (can be relevant experience).
This course is alternatively organized in English (2008) and French (2009). Good knowledge of the course language (French or English) is essential. For candidates from countries where the course language is not the official language, a certificate, based on an officially recognized test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, embassy...) is required.
Application forms are available from the course secretariat or can be downloaded from our website www.itg.be and should be returned latest on December 3rd 2007. Accepted candidates will be notified early January.
5. Tuition Fee and Scholarships
The tuition fee amounts to 3.200 euros. Living expenses (lodging, per diem ...) are estimated at 2.000 euros for 8 weeks (flight not included). For more information please contact the ITM Student Service at education@itg.be. Students from developing countries and the European Union can apply for a scholarship through the ITM (limited number available).
The tuition fee should be paid into the ITM's account nr. 220-0531111-72 (Fortis Bank, Warandeberg 3, 1000 Brussel), BIC/SWIFT: GEBABEBB, IBAN BE 38 2200 5311 1172. Bank charges are at the expense of the applicant.
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Dr Valéria C. da Silveira
Tutor Master in Public Health
Institute of Public Health
Nationalestraat 155
B 2000 Antwerpen Belgium
mailto:vcdasilveira@itg.be