Program Overview
The course is interdisciplinary and provides participants with a clear understanding of community health as a perspective on public health that assumes the community to be an essential determinant of health and the indispensable component for effective public health practice. It takes into account the physical and intangible characteristics of the community—its formal and informal networks and support systems, its norms and cultural nuances, and its institutions, politics, and belief systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development is equally designed in response to the increase in non-communicable diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and increased societal recognition of the importance of community-based care. This course is designed to equip trainees with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to professionally participate in and promote health initiatives at various levels as well as in other development areas.
Main Objective
- The program will equip participants with knowledge and skills to be able to instruct community groups and individuals on positive lifestyle changes for better health.
- It is also a program that provides knowledge and skills on how participants can develop, implement and coordinate health-improvement operations and organize communities around health and disease issues.
- It fulfils demand for a workforce with public health skills and knowledge of community health promotion practice.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Program, students should be able to;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of community health which include health, disease, epidemiology, health promotion, and nutrition and health determinants.
- Describe a typical Health district and community health system in Africa
- Organize, plan and manage strategies, interventions and programs for primary health and secondary health care.
- Identify and assess individual and community needs for health service delivery. Program Duration Three academic years full time.
Target Audience
Holders of GCE advanced level, Nurses and other Medical personnel with an interest in working with communities for health promotion
Career Opportunities
- Graduates may fit in various roles in the public sector for health and social affairs, as well as private and non-governmental organizations. They may operate in such roles as disability rights worker, community outreach worker, education officer, peer health educator, research assistant, community project worker, or education mentor.
- Graduates will be able to further their studies in the domain of public health.