Most of the existing health services in low/middle-income countries are focused on curative services. On the other hand, public health services focus mainly on primary health care, which involves the prevention of disease at the individual and community levels in the first place. Curative services are therefore relatively expensive, as they have to address the cure, rehabilitation and management of those who are ill.

Whereas there is great demand for public health services, there are limited opportunities for training Public Health professionals in the country. The Public Health Programme is designed to enhance the national capacity for public and primary health care systems. The university recognizes that health is a fundamental right for every person and the University has the responsibility to contribute to the quality of health for the members of the society it serves.

The Department of Public Health will provide training that will equip learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude to address relevant public health concerns in the community.  Graduates from the programme will be equipped with appropriate skills, knowledge and attitude to identify public health problems, design solutions to those problems, and plan and execute appropriate public health interventions.