Master in International Health (MIH)

Master in International Health

The Master in International Health (MIH) aims to develop the capacity of  health professionals to work at the interface of international organizations and national health systems. Because participants can design their own programme, the MIH prepares them optimally for their desired field of work - whether that be child health, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, disaster settings, research, health policy, human resources or another area. The programme can be completed within 1 to 5 years, depending on the participant's availability. The MIH is organized by the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

What is International Health?

International Health is a discipline that systematically compares factors that affect the health of all human populations with a special focus on poverty-related health problems in low and middle-income countries. International Health includes the promotion of health, prevention and treatment of diseases and rehabilitation. Knowledge, skills and the ability to critically analyse and draw implications for practice related to the major endemic diseases, health systems research, health economics, health policy and management of health services are essential.

Objectives

The MIH provides health experts with the knowledge and skills they need to deal with current challenges effectively. The MIH aims to enable participants to understand and analyse international health issues, conduct applied research, and develop adequate and appropriate responses in a global context.

An international health expert should be able to:

• Identify and critically analyse key factors and forces, including international changes, shaping the health of populations in low and middle income countries.
• Identify and appraise the challenges, threats and opportunities to health care delivery arising from globalization.
• Formulate effective and appropriate responses to complex international practice and policy issues.
• Communicate effectively across disciplines, sectors and national boundaries and with professionals and clients at all different levels of the health system and related institutions.
• Identify research needs, commission research and critically analyse and use research results.
• Work professionally, critically reflect and continuously seek to enhance personal and organizational learning.
  

Participants

This course is designed for medical doctors, nurses, midwives and other health professionals who are developing a career in international health. They may be working, or planning to work, in specific health programmes or with non-governmental organizations, Ministries of Health or international organizations such as the UN. Their tasks could include research, policy-making and management.