First Graduation of the New Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity
On Friday, 13th December 2024, we celebrated the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity – a transformative milestone in the evolution of our educational programmes.
This new course combines the strengths of the former NTC course and the Core Course in Public Health, providing participants with a comprehensive framework to address global health challenges.
The course welcomed 54 participants from 25 countries, representing diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Over three months, participants collaborated, shared experiences, and applied their knowledge to real-world public health scenarios. The curriculum, which focuses on determinants of health, health equity, epidemiology, and health systems, equips participants to tackle pressing health issues in both low-resource and high-resource settings.
During the graduation ceremony, 16 participants received their diploma-certificates, while the remaining participants will resume their studies in January, as they continue towards completing the full master’s degree in Public Health and Health Equity, aiming to graduate in August 2025. As they advance in their master’s programme, participants will explore specialisation courses on topics such as Disease Management and Epidemiology, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Health Systems and Policy. Their journey will culminate in a thesis addressing a critical health issue, applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme.
A New Era of Public Health Education
“You were part of the very first Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity, which in turn doubles as a major component of the new KIT MPH programme that runs for the first time this year but in a tradition of 61 years of KIT Master’s programmes,” said Hermen Ormel, Course Director. “The renewed curriculum aims to bring a special focus not just on health and public health, but also on health equity.”
He added, “KIT facilitators testified to your enthusiasm and dedication, which shone through in multiple classes and interactive sessions. More important than exams is the passion you showed for global health issues. That passion is what you need in your career in public and global health. It will help you overcome the many challenges and barriers to improving health for all and advancing health equity.”
Voices from the Participants
Course participants highlighted the unique and enriching mix of international and Dutch students. One shared:
“ "The diversity in the group was incredible. We learned so much from each other’s experiences and perspectives, which truly enhanced the course." ” ”
Mona Babikir, a student from Sudan, reflected on her personal experience:
“ "Coming from a country at war, the interaction with Dutch students gave me a real sense of belonging and made me feel welcome here. It was an experience I will always cherish." ” ”
Looking Ahead
The Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity is not only a key component of the Masters in Public Health and Health Equity but also part of the postgraduate training for physicians working towards the MD Global Health (AIGT) diploma in the Netherlands.
The Core Course takes place twice a year, in March 2025 and in September 2025. This course can be taken as a stand-alone programme or as part of the Masters programme.
Interested in joining?
