The goal of Public Health Research is to build evidence and knowledge that supports policy and leadership decision-making in the promotion of health care equity, quality and accessibility. The necessity for low income countries to manage health disparities while empowering individuals to manage the social determinants of health underscores the need for this undertaking.At International Health Sciences University the major categories of public health streams that are prioritized as key areas of research include:
● Behavioural Health Sciences: The contemporary challenges confronted by populations in developing countries include alcohol and drug abuse, tobacco control, injury control, mental health, domestic violence, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and malnutrition among others. Social and behavioral sciences addresses the above health needs through identifying and analysing the social determinants of health and behavioural risk factors that are associated with public health challenges and using this evidence generated, knowledge and skills to understand and promote healthy behavior within communities.
● Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health: The University provides research opportunities and service provision activities related to the unique health needs of mothers and children. The focus on Malaria, HIV/AIDS & STI, Tuberculosis, nutrition, family planning, emergency obstetric and newborn care and gender equality, remains relevant to the University’s research agenda as well as the nation.
● Health in complex Emergencies:Complex emergencies are situations in which livelihoods become disrupted and populations dislocated, requiring intervention that includes relief assistance and humanitarian aid. The persistent conflict, famine or environmental disaster, results in political insecurity, weak societal safety, and large-scale migration of populations. Responses to such humanitarian health challenges will require formulation and implementation of relevant humanitarian health interventions taking into account ethical issues, context prerogatives, humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms and national contexts. The University seeks to answer critical questions on approaches that contribute to appropriate practice and policy in humanitarian crisis situations. This will not only reduce health disparities but will enable the effective use of meager resources to address population needs.