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From the deep depths of rainforests to the bustling cities of a constantly changing world, tropical diseases have always been a hidden threat. How healthy and how well we are have been continuously challenged by these encounters, often found in unexpected places – be it the harrowing Ebola outbreaks in remote villages or the relentless COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the globe.
Now, as we prepare for potential new outbreaks in a rapidly changing world, these questions are in everyone’s mind: What else is out there? Will we be ready for it?
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) stands as a beacon of knowledge against these ongoing challenges. Nestled in the heart of Belgium in Antwerp, it was established in 1906 as a training institute and has evolved to become a world-class institution dedicated to advancing health in underserved and vulnerable regions.
Its vision? Equal chances at a healthy life for all. Professors and staff strive to excel in the fields of tropical medicine and international public health, inspiring students to create a world without health limitations. The ITM community is answering questions such as “why are mosquitoes such efficient vectors of a disease that is so deadly to humans?”,“do abortions in fragile and conflict-affected settings put women more at risk?”, “what’s the spread of the first confirmed case of monkeypox in Belgium?”, and many more.
The institute has a strong international presence and collaborates with organisations, universities, and research institutions worldwide. It plays a crucial role in global health initiatives and partnerships – Source: Institute of Tropical Medicine
A global community striving for health worldwide
At ITM, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s their strength. Students and faculty come from around the world and from various cultural and professional backgrounds. Jahan Mallick from Germany shares that ITM empowers a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences among students. He was part of the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine programme that “contains a diversity of on global health care, epidemiology, and the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.”
Fellow graduate Pantalius Nji from Cameroon agrees. “The programme’s strength is further amplified by the diverse student body, who come from different parts of the world,” he says. “This diversity fosters interactions that enhance the learning process, offering students invaluable training opportunities and exposing them to global perspectives.”
ITM’s philosophy is rooted in flexibility and personalisation, ensuring that every student can design their educational journey according to their needs and aspirations. And by keeping class sizes small, students get to collaborate and interact more deeply with faculty and staff – within and beyond classrooms and laboratories.
Throughout the year, ITM’s Student Support team organises a vibrant schedule of cultural and social activities all over Belgium, encouraging a holistic study experience. Students can enjoy a welcome break by exploring cities or taking part in exciting activities like kayaking and indoor skiing with their peers. Read what other graduates say about their time at ITM and how being part of the alumni network helps them build lasting scientific relationships.
The institute has a strong international presence and collaborates with organisations, universities, and research institutions worldwide. It plays a crucial role in global health initiatives and partnerships – Source: Institute of Tropical Medicine
Empowering change through education
If you want to make a difference in low-resource settings or advance your understanding of international public health or tropical medicine, ITM is the place to be. Here, you can choose from a diverse range of postgraduate programmes that best fit your strengths and goals.
The Master of Science in Public Health has existed for over five decades, constantly evolving and shifting to meet the changing needs of its field. What sets it apart is its focus on resource-constrained settings and vulnerable populations. By joining, you’re set to boost your capacity to strengthen and improve disease prevention and control in these areas. The programme has been rated excellent by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) – and it’s easy to understand why. More than 80% of graduates say the impact of the training on their career was high to very high and that they took up more strategic positions at regional, national or international levels in the years following their graduation.
Despite being relatively new, the MSc in Tropical Medicine has been recognised for its rigour and relevance since its launch four years ago. If you aim to develop research skills on the diagnosis and management of the most prevalent and re-emerging tropical diseases in the world, this programme is a great option. You’ll sharpen your research techniques and methods in the clinical and biomedical fields as well.
The MSc in Global One Health is a collaborative effort between ITM and the University of Pretoria, a leading African university and a pioneer of One Health research. You’ll prepare for roles as researchers, health professionals, or policymakers in disease control at the human-animal interface. This two-year programme is a blended educational experience that is largely web-based, offering flexibility for students who wish to combine work and study.
ITM offers postgraduate certificates designed for EU healthcare professionals at different points in their careers as well. These include Introduction to Tropical Medicine and Challenges in International Health, Research and Challenges in International Health, Advanced Tropical Medicine and Challenges in International Health and Tropical Medicine and International Health.
The Introduction to Tropical Medicine and Challenges in International Health is an ideal course for nurses and midwives aiming to enhance their understanding of diseases specific to tropical regions. It combines interactive online self-paced study material with real-time seminars. This postgraduate certificate and the Advanced Tropical Medicine and Challenges in International Health are also offered in French.
Whether you aspire to specialise, broaden your horizons or craft your own journey towards global health excellence, ITM is your gateway to a world of possibilities.
For more information on ITM’s courses and their fees, visit their website or view their educational brochure.
Follow ITM on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn. To find out more about ITM and their work, listen to their podcast “Transmission”.
