Authored by: Mona Kuroiwa & Helene Davis, WHOCC Interns
Introduction
At the end of 2024, the WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Public Health Education and Training team at Imperial College London developed the materials and successfully delivered a 15-week course specialising in the epidemiology of infectious and non-infectious diseases at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in the UAE. The course provided key insights into emerging public health challenges through lectures and discussions to enhance the learning of public health students at the university. Through the education and empowerment of the next generation of health leaders, the course aligned clearly with UAE’s aim to enhance public health capabilities on both a regional and global scale.
The module was delivered by the WHOCC’s specialist team including Professor Salman Rawaf, PhD, MD, Professor Zeenah W Atwan, PhD, Celine Tabche, PhDc, FHEA, MSc, ANtr and Dr Mays Raheem, PGCert, MSc, MD. With such a wealth of experience and knowledge in the teaching team, students learnt from world-leading experts, equipping them with the knowledge to tackle future global health challenges using innovative and data-driven approaches. These approaches were taught through presentations, meetings, forum discussions, real-world simulations and assessments to encourage a high level of engagement and discourse within the cohort.
An Overview of the Course
The course offered a comprehensive understanding of both infectious and non-infectious diseases, highlighting key global health challenges and the importance of evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and management. A core focus was placed on examining the major trends in the incidence and prevalence of diseases, offering insight into how these conditions impact populations worldwide.
Part of the course examined the most common infectious diseases, offering an overview of those caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This section helped to build foundational knowledge of how these pathogens spread and the associated public health concerns they pose on a global scale.
Additionally, the course addressed the causes and prevention of major non-communicable diseases, with an emphasis on conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung diseases. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to these illnesses, students were equipped with the knowledge needed to develop preventive measures and improve disease management practices
The course also delved into various methods aimed at avoiding, reducing, or eliminating risks of exposure to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Through this exploration, the participants gained insights into strategies that could be applied across different settings to promote better health outcomes and reduce disease burden.
Topics Covered:
Outcomes
Professor Salman Rawaf commended the invaluable collaboration with Imperial College London in the successful delivery of the course, which is part of the MSc in Public Health program. He highlighted how the involvement of renowned instructors from Imperial College London enriched the learning experience, offering students the opportunity to engage with world-class expertise in public health. This partnership, supported by a grant from the UAE Ministry of Education, not only elevated the academic quality of the program but also underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing public health education. Professor Rawaf expressed his gratitude to all those involved for their dedication and contributions to this impactful initiative.
Insights from our partners and leaders
“This partnership embodies the importance of international collaboration in addressing contemporary public health challenges. By combining HBMSU’s innovative approach to education with our expertise in epidemiology and global health, we have created a learning environment that empowers students to develop evidence-based solutions to complex health issues. This initiative not only enriches the academic experience but also contributes to strengthening the public health workforce, both regionally and globally. We extend our sincere thanks to the HBMSU module team, including Professor Samer Hamidi, Dr Nazik Suleiman, and Dr Zufishan Alam, for their invaluable contributions and support throughout this course.” Prof. Salman Rawaf, WHOCC Director at Imperial College London |
“At HBMSU, we are focused on fostering academic excellence through strategic partnerships with global entities. This collaboration with Imperial College London not only brings the latest expertise to our learners but also equips them with the critical knowledge and skills required to address pressing global health challenges. By aligning with international best practices, we continue to elevate HBMSU’s role as a leading hub for innovation, research, and sustainable advancements in public health.” H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU |
“The successful delivery of this specialised course marks an important step in our efforts to provide learners with access to leading international experts. The collaboration with Imperial College London reflects our commitment to ensuring our courses remain at the forefront of global best practices in education and research.” Prof. Samer Hamidi, Dean of the School of Health and Environmental Studies at HBMSU |
“The successful delivery of this course is a testament to the power of collaborative innovation in public health education. Together with HBMSU, we have provided learners with the tools and perspectives necessary to navigate a rapidly changing health landscape. We were honoured to meet such a passionate and dedicated group of students, whose enthusiasm and commitment to advancing public health were truly inspiring. This partnership reinforces our shared vision of advancing public health through academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and impactful learning experiences.” Celine Tabche, Co-Director at WHOCC Imperial College London |