Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Organising Equitable Responses

Content

Improving access to equitable and quality sexual and reproductive health related services is a major priority in global public health. This makes effective organisation of these services critical.

This module puts rights at the centre of SRHR and builds on contemporary evidence to critically analyse effective responses across the constituent parts of the health system and beyond. Participants critically examine synergies and efficiencies, and the trade-offs that need to made in the process of service strengthening within and beyond the domain of SRHR.

The module focuses on considerations of equity, voice, accountability and participation in the organisation of responses and services, and concentrates on making services accessible to marginalised groups. This module translates the principles of sound SRHR/HIV and AIDS responses into practice.

Effective written communication and advocating to a lay audience regarding SRHR is a key competency which will be developed through writing a news release on SRHR policy, services and/or special target groups.

This course is tropEd accredited and can be followed as a stand-alone course or as specialisation course of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity programme.

Learning methods

A variety of learning methods are used, most importantly:

• Interactive lectures (in-person and occasionally Zoom), that use a combination of lecturing and applying it in classroom exercises
• Cross learning e.g., learning from each other’s experiences, reflection of students’ own experiences
• Case studies, simulation (role play), group work
• Student presentations
• Online Q&A, discussion, peer feedback
• Writing advocacy assignment (assignment)
• Practical exercise on how to do motivational interviewing (facilitated by the Dutch Municipal Health Service – GGD)

The educational approach is based on the following principles:

• Takes the knowledge and (working) experience of the participants as a key contribution
• Is problem-solving oriented and is focused on the practical application of the course content
• Is competency based: it is aimed at improving the competencies of participants to implement and evaluate context-specific approaches to address health problems

Assessment:
For participants who wish to receive a certificate of completion of the course, including the ECTS credits, the assessment is required.
If you do not wish to do the assessment, you can receive a certificate of attendance of the course.

More on our learning methods:

Objectives

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe and analyse key components of equitable SRHR responses
• Analyse existing SRHR responses from equity perspective and provide recommendations on how to enhance equitable access and quality of care
• Use evidence to formulate and advocate for context-appropriate strategies to address issues related to SRHR

Course content

• Key aspects of SRHR responses on specific SRHR topics, such as adolescents and youth-friendly SRH services and education, responsive family planning, maternal and newborn health, gender based violence, HIV services, menstrual health
• Principles of good response strategies, including client-centred approaches to SRHR, leave no one behind, stigma and discrimination, gender-transformative approaches, combination-prevention, quality of care, accountability and participation, and evidence-based advocacy
• Peer feedback, collaborative skills development and professional community building

Application

Admission criteria

• Academic training or a professional qualification in a relevant field
• Work experience in a related area, including experience in management or planning in developing countries
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

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

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, 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.

This course can be taken on its own, or as advanced module of the Master of Public Health (MPH)  or Master in International Health (MIH) programme.

Visa requirements

Citizens of most EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Visit the Nuffic website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Participants from other countries must obtain a short-stay visa (for up to three months) through the Netherlands embassy or consulate covering the applicant’s country. Applicants will need a letter of admission to the course and proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds to cover the course fee, travel and accommodation costs. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months.

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.

Insurance requirements

Course participants and accompanying dependents are required by Dutch law to have health, accident and third party insurance. Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay abroad, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands. Dutch insurance companies offer reasonable rates to foreign students. KIT can assist with arranging insurance.

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.

Scholarships Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

Unfortunately the OKP programme has ended. For 2024 there are no scholarship rounds.

• Up-to-date approach to complex public health issues
• Practice-oriented
• Exchange between disciplines
• Interactive Education
• Development of personal and professional competencies
• Network building

• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Personal tutoring
• Teaching by highly qualified specialists
• Positively reviewed by tropEd
• KIT: international centre of excellence in international health and development
• Accredited by NVAO