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INDEPTH NEWS BULLETIN Vol. 2003, No.5, 2003
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In this issue:
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1.NDEPTH Scientific Development and Leadership Programme – the way ahead Step 1:
A Concept Paper was developed by the Network. This is available on this website. Let us emphasise the following objectives of this unique programme: A. To develop a genre of African scientists from INDEPTH sites and elsewhere through practical on-the-job training in a unique Masters program that combines epidemiology, biostatistics, demography and other social sciences with a focus on demographic and health surveillance in developing countries, who - can identify key biomedical and public health problems that may be addressed by epidemiological or demographic studies and design solutions to those problems; - have the appropriate analytical skills and can understand, plan and execute field-based scientific research; and - have good communication skills to make research results understandable to diverse audiences.
B. To develop the capacity of scientists in the INDEPTH Network to - have negotiating power to engage external collaborators; - to compete effectively for international resources; and - to take leadership roles at their workplaces.
Step 2 In line with the above objectives, the INDEPTH network published a call in the international media looking for an African University to partner it in the development and implementation of a Master’s course in Population-based Field Epidemiology and, over the longer term, to extend the program to a distance learning module. By the deadline, 10 African universities had applied. Many others who couldn’t apply expressed their support to the Network.
Step 3 The Executive Director and the Board of Trustees of the Network are now working on a competent , highly experienced and independent selection committee that will critically review all applications and eventually select a university that will be most suitable to host the programme. Every effort will be made to ensure that this process is transparent and credible!
2. Now to West Africa: The Executive Director visits Navrongo, Ghana
After his visits to the INDEPTH member sites Rakai (Uganda), Manhica (Mozambique), Africa Centre (South Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya), the Executive Director, Prof. Fred Binka was on 4-6 May 2003 in Navrongo, Ghana. He had discussions with a familiar Navrongo team, one which has supported the INDEPTH Network since its formative stages! Prof. Binka brought back to the Secretariat pledges of continued commitment from Navrongo towards the scientific agenda of INDEPTH.
3. INDEPTH Working Groups – Action Time!
With the month of May coming to an end, the Secretariat is urging all INDEPTH Working Group leaders to consider moving their planned activities forward.
4. Butajira DSS, Ethiopia goes online!
The INDEPTH Secretariat keeps his word. Since one of its key objectives is
to increase the visibility of its member sites, the Secretariat has been
supporting several DSS sites to have their own websites. One latest addition
is Butajira DSS in
Ethiopia.
Other
INDEPTH sites that have received similar assistance are
www.navrongo.org,
www.bracdss.net.
That is not all… There will be a competition at the end of the year for the
best INDEPTH member website. An independent review panel will evaluate the
sites and select the winner. The prize will be announced at the AGM 2004.
5. Hot News on the AGM 2004 in Hanoi, Vietnam
The Secretariat and the Board, in consultation with the leadership at Filabavi, Vietnam (next year’s host for the AGM 2004) has agreed on a date for the AGM: 3-7 May 2004. Please block this date if you hope to attend. We shall provide continuous updates on the AGM 2004. |