POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ONE HEALTH AND EMERGENCY RESEARCH ETHICS (POHERE)

Background

Kenya has an approximate population of 50 million and, like most sub-Saharan countries, a high disease burden. Infectious diseases make up the top three causes of death. On top of the known infectious diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) present major threats to public health, with COVID-19 being just the latest example. The implications for individuals and health systems are substantial. Close to three-quarters of today’s EIDs are of zoonotic origin (where infectious agents spread to humans from animals, often interwoven with changes in the environment and agricultural practices), with East and Central Africa being one of the world’s hotspots for EIDs of zoonotic origins. The Global One Health paradigm recognizes the complex interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, microbial and environmental health and responds with an interdisciplinary approach that aims to build capacity and resilience that prepares for, prevents, and responds to outbreaks.       

Philosophy of the programme

The programme philosophy is guided by the importance of promoting ethics during One Health research and research during emergencies. Such research is of growing importance nationally, regionally and globally. This programme’s philosophy is based on international standards of research ethics and the philosophy of the University of Nairobi, which is to inspire and connect with the Kenyan community, provide leadership and stewardship and give hope and faith to the Kenyan society that it can excel in whatever it chooses to do with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.

Rationale of the programme

Globally and regionally, infectious disease outbreaks have devastating effects medically, economically and socially. Recent examples include COVID-19 and Ebola Virus Disease and highlight the massive costs of such outbreaks. Climate change, increased ease and speed of cross-border movements, the emergence of new pathogens, and the re-emergence of pathogens pose increased risks to global health security. Natural disasters and conflict can lead to massive population movements resulting in humanitarian crises and  emergencies, impacting the health of ecosystems and humans.

Human health is intricately linked to animal health and environmental health. One Health research, at the human, animal and environmental interface, has a key role in addressing outbreaks, pandemics and the health implications of disasters, humanitarian crises and other emergencies. One health research and research during emergencies raise complex and distinct ethical issues in addition to standard research ethics issues. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in One Health and Emergency Research Ethics programme will provide training in international research ethics with a particular focus on research ethics for One Health and in emergencies. The PGD can be completed in one year to allow professions in various relevant fields to achieve sufficient learning outcomes within a reasonable time-frame.

Goal of the programme  

The goal of this programme is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop ethics decision-making skills in the ethical challenges that occur in One Health research and research during emergencies. It will give learners an opportunity to develop leadership and collaboration skills for ethical conduct of One Health and emergency research. They will gain confidence and skills in identifying, reflecting on and making decisions  for One Health and emergency research which can be applied in research, ethics review and regulatory contexts.

Expected learning outcomes

At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:

1.Describe the importance of advancing research and scholarship in One Health and emergency research ethics in Kenya.

2.Appraise the ethical issues with humans, animals, plants, and the environment in scenarios involving One Health and emergency research

3.Explain the principles of research ethics and integrity relevant to One Health research and research in emergencies

4.Apply the principles and practices of research ethics and integrity, including approval and regulatory mechanisms, to One Health and emergency research

MODE OF DELIVERY

Face-to-face mode

The programme will be offered through didactic lectures, practicums, case studies, seminar and class presentations and field trips.

Open, Distance, e-Learning Mode

This will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print, prepared modules and electronic study materials. Online teaching using available online platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, Cisco Webex etc.

Blended Learning Mode

The blended learning mode of delivery shall combine face-to-face and online learning approaches. The online component shall provide for synchronous and asynchronous modes of instruction.

 

Contacts for support: 

Department of Public Health Pharmacology & Toxicology

Tel:      +254-020-4916015

Email: dept-publichealth@uonbi.ac.ke