International Health

Effective primary care is of particular importance in resource-poor countries. Effective delivery of vaccinations, maternal care, and treatment of common diseases such as malaria, is essential for the achievement of the United Nations Millenium Development goals.

Our researchers work with academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and government agencies across the globe (including Africa, China and India) to support delivery of high-quality primary care through policy development and research.

For example, through an innovative partnership, researchers in the department have been utilising South Africa's mobile phone network to bead hypertension in the region. We have also been trialling the use of confidential enquiry - a method of investigating adverse events without attributing blame - into child and maternal deaths in Uganda and Mali.

Several of our DPhil students are undertaking work in low-and-middle-income countries, including preventing and managing cardiovascular risk in Kenya (Tonny Muthee), enhancing adherence to HIV medication in South Africa (Jienchi Doward), a comparison of the epidemiology of childhood deaths in rural South Africa (Jessica Price) and reducing Tuberculosis transmission in South Africa (Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen).