 | Course Title: Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment in Kenya
This session is open to Boston University School of Public Health students only. The Problem in Context
In the early 1980s Kenya began a process of privatizing open grazing land into group ranches. This significant land use change has forced traditionally nomadic peoples, including the Maasai, onto smaller plots of land. The Maasai, a proud and historically self-sufficient society are now facing many social, political and economic challenges. The result has increased their vulnerability to disease and famine, and they frequently rely on relief food and water to survive. This major shift from nomadicism to pastoralism has brought about new health problems for the Maasai, including an escalation in sanitation-related and water-borne diseases, infant and childhood disease, and HIV/AIDS. Access to quality health care, both physically and culturally, poses a critical issue for this predominantly rural population. Except for the household surveys conducted by The School for Field Studies (SFS) during the summer 2007 public health program, there are little baseline data or records on Maasai health status in southern Kenya, which adds another dimension to this public health challenge. Traditional Practices
In Kenya, nearly 80% of the population, including the Maasai, are still dependent on herbal medicine - it remains an important source of treatment, particularly for rural communities. The World Health Organization's global strategy includes popularizing and incorporating herbal medicine in the national health systems of member countries. Consequently, Kenya is developing a national policy that will incorporate herbal medicine in its health provision strategy. At the same time, the Maasai depend largely on traditional birth attendants to assist in the birthing process. This practice is being challenged by some health care providers. In working with the Maasai community students participating in this SFS course will witness some of the interface between traditional practices and emerging national policies. Program Description
As an extension of its environmental-focused research, SFS has created academic partnerships with several leading universities, including Boston University School of Public Health, Northern Arizona University Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Moi University (Kenya) Schools of Public Health and Medicine to respond to the environmental health issues described above. This course will provide students with an international field study experience in environmental and community health in Kenya, specifically focusing on the indigenous Maasai community of southern Kenya. The course is designed to provide students with a field practicum in assessing health practices and environmental challenges affecting public health in Maasai communities, as well as identifying measures to improve conditions in these communities.
The course will contain four elements: - orientation to Kenyan politics, cultures, tribes and systems, with particular focus on Maasai tribal culture and practices. Lectures, field exercises, and visits to Maasai villages describe the physical environment and the interrelationship between the area's environmental issues and the human community. Students will also review the findings from the summer 2007 household survey.
- survey techniques, study design, field-based data collection, data analysis, write-up, and presentation.
- implementation of low cost domestic hygiene interventions in group ranches, including community education about water and sanitation and hygienic practices.
- final presentations to community clients and partners, including stakeholders and Maasai group ranch members.
Students will learn about:
*The historical, socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, political, and health aspects of life in Kenya, with particular focus of the culture and practices of the Maasai tribe.
*Cultural practices and traditional beliefs and their relationship to health issues in Maasai communities.
*The organization of health care services in Kenya with specific focus on Maasailand and the Amboseli ecosystem.
*Health issues and health seeking behaviors in the communities of interest.
*How the local ecosystem impacts community health.
*Assessing and analyzing health issues and reporting findings and recommendations to key stakeholders and communities of interest.
*Ways to empower local communities and promote capacity building in a decentralized system.
*The traditional health care systems among tribes of Kenya, and the role of traditional herbal medicine in health care provision.
*The impact of Westernization on the Maasai traditional health care system. Program Highlights Credits | 6 graduate credits | Dates | May 24 – June 30, 2010 (5 weeks) | Location/Base | SFS Kilimanjaro Bush Camp, Kimana, Kenya | Program Fees | $7,444 (includes tuition, books and reader, room, board, local travel. Fee excludes airfare). | Language of Instruction
| English | | Housing | Students will be based at the SFS Kilimanjaro Bush Camp in Kimana, Kenya, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our field station is in the heart of Maasailand. | Prerequisites | Open to qualified graduate students and 4+1 undergraduates who meet the following requirements: Graduate student in MPH/Nursing or other health sciences program with related coursework. 4+1 Undergraduate student: - minimum 3.0 GPA
- pre-med or pre-MPH or health sciences degree program
- BS703 or BS701 - AND - EP711 or EP712. Those with professional or academic background in epidemiology or statistics may use it in lieu of above courses. Contact Joseph Anzalone at 617.638.5396
- demonstrated interest in public health through experience in a related area: internship, research, field work in public health, medical, or health related area
- international and/or cross-cultural experience.
| | | Research Focus | SFS has partnered with several leading universities including Boston University School of Public Health, Northern Arizona University Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Moi University (Kenya) Schools of Public Health and Medicine to respond to the environmental health issues extant among the Maasai. This course will provide students with field experience in assessing and analyzing public health and environmental concerns in identified Maasai communities in partnership with local community-based health organizations. This program is a graduate-level field course open to Boston University School of Public Health students only. | Field Expeditions | Maasai villages & group ranches, local health clinics & dispensaries; HIV/AIDS clinics; Amboseli National Park. |
Admission is on a rolling basis starting December 21, 2009 through February 18, 2010. BUSPH MPH students will be given first priority through January 31, 2010. On January 31, 2010, admissions will be open to applicants from other universities. BUSPH will grant acceptance by email. Interviews are not required for this program. Once accepted, candidates will need to complete a medical approval process online, submit a digital color headshot and their father's full name (a Kenyan visa requirement). The acceptance email will provide details. Application Checklist: - Application form
- Essay questions
- Unofficial transcript
- Scanned color passport image (scanning available at Dept. of IH Reception, CT 369A)
- Terms and Regulations & SFS Acknowledgement of Risks Forms
Submit applications to: Boston University School of Public Health
Dept. of International Health
Joseph Anzalone, MPH
801 Massachusetts Ave, 3d floor Crosstown Center
Boston, MA 02118 • P 617.638.5396 • F 617.638.4476
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