Bridgetown, Barbados, 15 June, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – As part of the inaugural University of West Indies/Pan American Health Organization (UWI-PAHO) Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Health Policy and Health Systems, six postgraduate students are undergoing a four-week, blended practicum at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) since May 28, with the face-to-face component commencing on June 17.

The cohort began their studies in August 2022 and will complete the diploma in July 2024, following the PAHO practicum. This practicum, the culmination of the two-year diploma programme, pairs each student with a PAHO mentor. The goal is for the students to gain an understanding of PAHO’s functions, and its work within the Caribbean and the Americas. Additionally, they would expand their professional network in their technical area and use the acquired knowledge and skills to influence health policy in the Caribbean, towards the advancement of universal health.

The academic programme in health policy and health systems was launched in 2022, following an agreement between PAHO and the UWI Cave Hill to build human resource capacities in the Caribbean in areas that require highly trained personnel.  The programme is intended for officials from ministries of health and other entities of the Subregion’s public health sector, as well as non-health professionals interested in public health. The diploma programme takes place over a two-year period and includes six online courses. 

PAHO and the UWI Faculty of Medical Sciences, Cave Hill have a long-standing collaboration in areas of common interest. This collaboration was further expanded through activities implemented through the PAHO Human Resources for Health (HRH) Strategy and the Caribbean Roadmap on HRH.