Global perspectives on Digital Health

Content

This course offers a critical introduction to digital health from a global perspective, with a focus on practical applications and health equity. It is designed for professionals working in or with an interest in digital health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and/or vulnerable populations.

Course topics include:

• Defining digital health: principles and classification
• Opportunities and limitations of digital health in LMICs 
• Assessing demand and feasibility of digital health solutions 
• Implementation guidance and scale-up strategies 
• Digital health, ethics, and health equity 

This course is tropEd accreditated and can be followed as a stand-alone course or as an advanced module of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity or part-time participants of a Master in International Health programme from one of the tropEd network institutes. Participants can choose to follow the course for a certificate of attendance or take part in the final assessment to obtain a certificate of completion. 

This course is co-organised with Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute (AHTI) and other partner organisations.

Objectives

Week 1

At the end of the first week, participants will be able to:

• Explain core principles and concepts of digital health and its impact on behaviour and health systems
• Discuss how digital health interventions can address challenges in diverse settings
• Identify both the opportunities and limitations of digital health in achieving Universal Health Coverage
• Recognise ethical issues, equity considerations, and data governance challenges in digital health

Week 2

At the end of the first week, participants will be able to:

• Strategically design and apply digital health solutions to real-world health problems
• Integrate technical, analytical, and networking skills in a systemic approach
• Develop and assess digital tools and strategies tailored to diverse settings and constraints

Learning Methods

The course follows an interactive and hands-on model. Participants will learn core concepts and critical skills in Week 1 and apply their knowledge in collaborative projects in Week 2. 

Course workload: 84 hours (approx. 8 hours/day, including live sessions and peer or self-paced study). The course is conducted entirely online via KIT’s Moodle platform (Virtual Grounds), with additional interaction facilitated through Zoom and MS Teams. Live sessions will be scheduled in Amsterdam time working hours. 

Learning activities include: 

• Live keynote sessions on digital health principles and equity 
• Practical tutorials on DH applications across different domains 
• Case study work to explore real-world health challenges using digital health 
• Advanced sessions to deepen applied knowledge and strategic thinking 
• Project pitch & group work: real-world projects introduced by our partners 
• Final presentations: teams present digital health intervention (DHI) proposals for peer and expert feedback 
• Written final assignment: submitted at the end of the course 

Participants will have early access to preparation materials and a detailed schedule to support time management and active participation. 

Course Topics Include: 

• Introduction to Digital Health 
• Feasibility, implementation, and systems thinking 
• Digital health applications 
• Challenges and opportunities in LMICs 
• Public-private partnerships 
• AI in digital health 
• Digital justice: access, risk, equity, and inequality 
• Cultural sensitivity and digital rights 
• Project-based group work with real-world cases 

Week 1 Foundations of Digital Health

Focus on key definitions, theoretical frameworks, and applied case studies. 

• Two daily live sessions (keynotes + tutorials) 
• Asynchronous self-paced study 
• Case study work using the day’s content 
• Open book exam on Day 5 

Week 2 Applied Digital Health & Innovation

Focus on applying knowledge through real-world cases. 

• Opening keynote, advanced sessions and project pitch 
• Work in teams on actual digital health intervention proposals 
• Deliver a group presentation and submit a written proposal on Day 10 

Application

We developed the “Global Perspectives on Digital Health”, aiming for mid-career and senior health professionals interested in updating their competencies in the field of digital health. We also aim for professionals who want to include digital health components in the programmes/projects they manage at different healthcare levels (in MoH, NGOs, etc.). Finally, we also expect applications from young professionals interested in adding digital health to their portfolios. We are also betting on intergenerational learning, considering the participants’ broad range of ages and backgrounds.

Admission criteria

This course is open to health professionals from diverse backgrounds and career stages. We welcome mid-career and senior professionals looking to update their digital health skills, programme managers aiming to integrate digital tools into their work, and young professionals seeking to expand their portfolios either in public health or digital strategies. The course encourages intergenerational and interdisciplinary learning, creating a rich environment for exchange. It is particularly relevant for those working in or with a focus on low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations, as well as for anyone committed to applying digital health solutions to real-world challenges to promote equity. 

• Academic training at least to the level of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in medicine, public health or another field related to health care, such as health sciences, environmental sciences, economics, biostatistics, social sciences or nursing. Other fields might be considered if motivated on the cover letter.
• Two years of relevant work experience, including work experience in health in low and middle-income settings.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Computer literacy demonstrated by the ability to correctly and independently upload electronic documents in the online application system.
• Motivation for the course, demonstrated by a motivation letter stating why the applicant wants to follow this specific course at KIT and how it aligns to your career plans.

Application procedure

The application package is due two months before the start of the course.

Please upload your application online. The following documents should be uploaded:

• A one-page letter of motivation
• Copies of your diplomas and grade reports
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable

NOTE: in case too few participants enroll for this course, we reserve the right to cancel this course and inform you not later than 2 months before the announced starting date. This also implies you should not proceed with irreversible arrangements and payments for travel, accommodation, visa and and related, before the 2-months’ deadline.

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

Accommodation

There is a severe shortage of student accommodation in Amsterdam and participants are advised to contact KIT for information. KIT will endeavor to assist participants in their search for housing.

European Credit

The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates the transfer of course credits between different institutions of the same academic level. A course comprising 28 hours of formal teaching and private study is equivalent to one EC credit point.

Accreditation

This course is also accredited for the Master in International Health programme organised by tropEd, a network of European institutions for higher education in international health.

Funding

The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant. KIT does not offer financial support or scholarships.

• Innovative and current perspectives
  on global and public health challenges
• Strong focus on real-world, practice-
  oriented learning
• Interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration
• Dynamic and interactive teaching methods
• Development of professional and personal competencies
• Opportunities to build a strong international network

• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Personalised academic guidance
  and support
• Courses led by experienced and expert professionals
• Officially accredited by NVAO
• Recognised and positively
  reviewed by tropEd
• KIT Institute: An international
  centre of excellence in global
  health and development