From Monday this week, the Ifakara Health Institute opened its doors to a new group of eager students for the 8th cohort of its Masters in Public Health Research (MScPHR) program, which is run in partnership with the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). 

For nearly a week, these students dove into a comprehensive program designed to equip them with the skills needed to tackle public health challenges.

The induction kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Kafuruki Shubis, who heads Training and Capacity Building at Ifakara. He introduced the students to the institute's goals, structure, and the supportive community they'd be joining. 

Dr. Grace Mwangoka then broke down the specifics of the MScPHR program, covering everything from the different tracks students could follow to how they'd be taught and assessed.

It wasn't all about lectures

But it wasn't all about lectures. The students got a firsthand look at real-world public health research during a tour of the Ifakara's Bagamoyo branch. Here, they saw where innovative health solutions are being developed. Plus, they took a cultural trip around Bagamoyo, blending learning with local history and culture.

The collaboration between Ifakara Health Institute and NM-AIST has been key to making this program a success. By combining top-notch facilities, expert guidance, and practical experiences, they're not just educating but also strengthening Tanzania's research capabilities. This partnership shows how teamwork can lead to big improvements in health across Africa.

This induction marks the start of an exciting journey for these students, where they'll learn, grow, and contribute to public health innovations in Africa.

More: About the Ifakara-NM-AIST master’s program

The Masters in Public Health Research (MScPHR) is offered through a partnership between Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology-Arusha (NM-AIST), as stipulated in their Memorandum of Understanding. This two-year program splits evenly into twelve months of coursework followed by twelve months of research.

Students can specialize in intervention research, health systems research, or determinants of health and diseases. The coursework takes place at our Training Center in the Kingani area of Bagamoyo. 

This master's program is ideal for young graduates aspiring to careers in public health research. It offers a flexible curriculum where students can opt to complete the full degree or select modules as a foundation for further doctoral studies.