First Batch of Lao MPH Students Arrive in Hanoi

On March 5, 2018, Hanoi University of Public Health (HUPH) hosted a welcome event for 10 Master of Public Health students newly arrived from the University of Health Sciences in Laos (UHS). The group is the first batch to participate in the dual-degree, two-year MPH programme shared by the two universities, which encompasses studies in both Laos and Vietnam.

HUPH Rector, Professor Bui Thi Thu Ha, presented the coursework over the coming 8 months in Hanoi. Students will follow (in English) the MPH curricula which covers modules in maternal and child health, hospital management, health financing, biostatistics, bridging the gap between research and policy making, epidemiology, environmental health and a range of other topics. In the second year, MPH students return to UHS in Vientiane for thesis preparation and research seminars.

This groundbreaking cross-border education is funded by the EU under the LEARN programme (Lao Equity through Policy Analysis and Research Networks) a five year effort to enhance the capabilities of public health institutes in Laos. LEARN brings together a range of partners working in education and health policy for this purpose. Attending the inaugural event in Hanoi were representatives of the LEARN partnership: Lao Tropical Institute of Public Health (Acting Director Dr. Sengchanh Kounnavong), Hanoi University of Public Health (Dean Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha) Lao University of Health Sciences (Dr. Vanphanom Sychareun), MCNV (Country Director Dr. Charles Silva), LEARN (Programme Manager Suzanna Lipscombe) and other guests.