The health system in South Africa is undergoing a process of transformation and decentralization. The skills of professionals already working in the field need to be enhanced to equip them to take on the increased responsibility and accountability found in district-based health systems. Programs are needed which would be the least disruptive for both the participants and the health services, and focus on the application of epidemiology to day-to-day public health decisions. The Public Health Program at the University of the Western Cape is designed to meet this need. The principles of epidemiology are taught from a New Public Health perspective, embracing the social paradigm of health alongside the more traditional academic risk factor approach to epidemiology. The program is taught in a problem-solving context using a flexible format including distance learning resources and mentoring. Three modules have been developed to provide basic epidemiology skills for district level personnel. The certificate level module includes skills in descriptive epidemiology and surveillance. The diploma level module focuses on epidemiology for health services management, basic study design and data analysis. The final elective module is designed to provide slightly more advanced epidemiology skills for the district level worker who is more involved in research, data analysis or acts as a resource for other district level staff. This paper reviews the context of epidemiology training for transformation in the New South Africa, the content of these core modules, and examines some of the issues raised by the process of distance learning in this environment. See www.uwc.ac.za/comhealth/pages/soph.htm
Learning Objectives: Participants should be able to discuss issues related to distance education in basic epidemiology for the new South Africa.
Keywords: Distance Education, Developing Countries
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of the Western Cape Public Health Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.