MS PGD MEDVC Program

MS and Post Graduate Diploma Programme (PGD) in Medical Entomology and disease Vector Control (MEDVC)

The Health Services Academy (HSA), the first-ever Degree Awarding Institute (DAI) of Public Health Sciences in Pakistan recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.   The mission of HSA is to strengthen the capacity of public health professionals by offering excellence in teaching, research, service and policy advice. HSA envisages to become a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in Public Health, contributing to the health and well-being of the People of Pakistan and around the world.

Introduction:

Pakistan and other neighboring and  Regional countries are suffering from a hosts of vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, plague, CCHF and other arbo-viruses that keep resurging or re-emerging, causing considerable morbidity, mortality and disability. In case of Pakistan this capacity building programme has become essential; especially due to recent dengue epidemics and country wide malaria and Leishmaniasis problem.

Recognizing the need for capacity building in Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control, Health services Academy launched 12 months Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control (PGD-MEDVC).

Goal of this course

“To fill this gap by training highly qualified students in the area of Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control.”

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY AND DISEASE VECTOR CONTROL (PGD-MEDVC)

This programme nicely fits into the national priority and need for trained vector control specialists. Thus the goal of this course is to fill this gap of trained manpower in the area of Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control (MEDVC). The intensive curriculum emphasizes basic principles of disease transmission by vectors and epidemiology with a focus on entomological investigations, vector control methods, monitoring, evaluation and management. It is expected that upon completion, the graduates of the Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control should be able to; Identify major vector-borne diseases and the vector species/pests responsible for transmission of disease; Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate vector control programmes based on integrated vector and disease management. Apply acquired knowledge in the control and prevention of vector-borne diseases in the country;

The semesters are dedicated to course work, culminating in an end-of-semester examination. During the course work, students are expected to attend all classes at Health Services Academy.  This will be followed by a 2 months of supervised field training to gain practical knowledge and Hands on Training regarding courses studied. Students are also expected to identify different vectors, surveillance of vectors, and application of control tools and techniques (with the support of a faculty member) In the end of field training every student has to submit a short written report and an appraisal from the immediate supervisor/mentor.

Course Objectives

• To fill the knowledge gap in medical entomology in country and best management of vector borne disease in local context.
• Proved trained human resource for operational control programmes, applied basic research and academic fields including higher degree studies and teaching positions.
• To provide technical assistance to government, stakeholders, and other partners to design the evidence-based and sustainable control strategy for vector borne diseases in country
• To develop liaison with other academic, research and capacity building institute/department and organization.

Specific objectives

The graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control  (PGD-MEDVC) are prepare to:

• Investigate the epidemiology of major vector-borne diseases
• identify the vector species responsible for transmission of pathogens/disease
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate vector control programmes based on integrated vector and disease management approaches in accordance with the prevailing epidemiological, social and economic conditions.
• Apply acquired knowledge in the control and prevention of vector-borne diseases in the country.

Programme Organization and Structure for PGD-MEDVC

The total course programme consists of 31 credits hours running for a total of 12 months, including Theoretical, Practical and fieldwork organized in two semesters. The intensive curriculum emphasizes basic principles of disease vector transmission and epidemiology with a focus on epidemiological/entomological investigations, vector control methods and programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and management.

COURSE-WISE CREDIT HOURS AND MARKS DISTRIBUTION (PGD-MEDVC):

Methods of Assessment/Examination, Procedures and Rules:

Students will be evaluated during each course on the basis of

ADMISSION CRITERIA

The admissions are decided strictly on merit basis and absolute transparency. Application Procedures: Applications must be made on the prescribed original application form available in the prospectus of the Academy.  The prospectus and application form may also be downloaded from the Academy’s website ( http://www.hsa.edu.pk/ ). A non-refundable application fee, as approved by HSA admission committee, from time to time, will have to be paid. Payment must be made via bank draft or pay order.

Eligibility Criteria:

Basic Qualifications:

The candidate should possess one of the following qualifications or an equivalent degree from a recognized university or accrediting body.

• M.Sc./BSc. Degree in Biology/Zoology/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Environmental Health sciences/ Agriculture Entomology and Pharmacy / Nursing

• MBBS/DVM/D. Pharmacy
• Relevant MS/MSc./BSc. Degree ( In Biological and Bio Medical Sciences)

Academic partnerships and Collaborators:

For the PGD in Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control, the academy is working in collaboration with various other institutions and bodies in different capacities through formal and informal linkages to achieve its goal. The linkage with the World Health Organization to implement this course is highly noted. Currently, HSA is involved in collaborations with the following institutions:

• Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Government of Pakistan.
• Directorate of Malaria Control
• World Health Organization.

SALIENT FEATURES OF HSA:

•  Established in 1988. Over 1000 alumni, working in national, international organization.
• Students have opportunity of hands-on experience in health projects in public or private sector and UN Organizations
• State of the art Audio Visual labs and classrooms with Wi-Fi access to entire premises.
• Separate hostels for male & female students.
• Online access to national and international journals.
• Linkages and collaborations with national and international universities including joint research activities. Conducive environment for national and international students

Faculty Index:

The current faculty directory, including both full-time and adjunct faculty members, may be found on the website: http://www.hsa.edu.pk/

Master of Science in Medical Entomology and Disease Vector Control (MS-MEDVC)