Master in Epidemiology

Epidemiologists study the occurrence of health-related states or events in human populations and its determinants in order to identify targets for preventive healthcare. Epidemiology is thus the scientific discipline that forms the cornerstone of public health, guides evidence-based clinical practice, and shapes the development and evaluation of public health policy. The epidemiologist is indispensable in the design, implementation and analysis of (bio-)medical research, the translation of (bio-)medical scientific knowledge into evidence-based medicine and public health policies, and the evaluation of the implementation of these policies and their impact on the health of the population. In low and middle income countries (LMIC), where the ratio of health problems to health resources is much greater, it is of vital importance that health care workers and public health policy makers base their decisions on evidence in order to ensure cost-effective use of the scarce resources available for clinical care and public health. Unfortunately, education in epidemiology is poorly developed in the South, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of trained epidemiologists is felt on a daily base in the contribution of LMIC scientists in (bio)medical research and the capacity of LMIC policy makers, all of which impact development cooperation programmes, including VLIR-UOS projects. While there is a great need for graduate training in epidemiology, few Masters in Epidemiology (MaEPI) exist. In Flanders, the UAntwerp is the only university offering a Master in Epidemiology. Even though several Masters of Public Health exist in LMICs, only 2 Master in Epidemiology could be identified (Kenyatta University in Kenya and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia) but neither are listed in the Global Mastersportal. Students in the Masters in Epidemiology at UAntwerp will acquire knowledge in epidemiological methods, biostatistical methods, and public health, and specialize in one of three tracks: infectious disease epidemiology, clinical epidemiology, or environmental and chronic disease epidemiology. Following the masters training, international graduates from the programme will have the knowledge and skills to make valuable contributions to health related research and public community health policy and practice in LMICs. The relevance of all 3 MaEPI tracks for LMICs and employability of graduates upon return to LMICs provides a strong argumentation for Federal subsidies earmarked for development cooperation.