Netherlands kit

Many healthcare professionals want to contribute to health in low and middle income countries. In order to make a meaningful and appropriate contribution meaningful knowledge of the context and of local health problems is vital. By following the NTC, you will be able to:

• identify and analyse interrelated determinants of health and major health problems of populations in low and middle income societies.
• plan sustainable improvements of health systems, taking into account diverse cultural settings and social and ethical responsibilities
• critically collect, analyse and appraise qualitative and quantitative data relevant to the improvement of health and health care in low and middle income societies
• clearly communicate and work professionally in a multidisciplinary team

Programme structure

The NTC is divided into 5 modules:

• Introduction Module
• Determinants of Health
• Health Problems
• Basic Research Methods
• Health Systems

Introduction Module

This module aims to develop the learning and communication skills needed for the course and for future practice. You will examine cultural and international contexts.

Determinants of Health

The factors that have the most significant influence on health are known as determinants of health. While health care services make a contribution to health status, most of the key determinants of health lie outside the direct influence of health care, such as gender, education, culture, employment and environment. This module aims at providing you with an overview of these determinants and with the policy tools devised to address them.

Health Problems

You will need knowledge and skills to address the most important diseases and health problems occurring in resource-poor conditions. In this module, particular attention is given to the three main killer diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Sexual and reproductive health, and health care for children are also discussed. Because of the poor diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities, we concentrate on a syndromatic approach.