WELCOME TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Ms. Vuyelwa NdlovuChairperson and Lecturer

It is increasingly recognized that our environment, where we live, work, and grow, is intrinsic to health. Harmful environmental exposures are reported to be among the leading contributors to the global disease burden. The Department of Environmental Health was, thus, established in 2022 to address the most pertinent environmental issues affecting human health in Zimbabwe. Environmental Health is a branch of public health that focuses on the relationship between the population and their environment to promote and maintain health and safety in communities.

The field is inherently multidisciplinary because of the wide-ranging environmental factors and exposure pathways that must be explored across the life course. In that regard, we offer programs in Public Health and Environmental Health – Bachelor of Environmental Science Honours degree in Public Health and an MSc in Environmental Health. We also offer higher degrees by research i.e., MPhil and PhD, in Public Health and Environmental Health. Our multidisciplinary programs prepare students to be effective public health leaders in their chosen career paths which include public health practice, academia, advocacy, medicine, and many others.

The Department seeks to strengthen the field of Environmental and Public Health in Zimbabwe through hands-on learning and training, collaboration with key stakeholders and high-quality research for evidence-based decision making.

Our department offers many benefits designed to support both local and international students seeking to pursue a career in Public Health and Environmental Health. These include:

Provide a conducive teaching and learning environment, while promoting collegiality of the discipline.
Highly qualified team with various areas of expertise relevant to Environmental and Public Health
Laboratory facilities with modern equipment.
Undertake high-quality research of national, regional, and increasingly international standing.
A strong network of local and national stakeholders, including industry, government, and the wider community.

Through our research activities, we intend to build evidence base suitable for the development and implementation of environmental and public health best practices in Zimbabwe. Our researchers and students have published and are carrying out research in the following areas:

Heavy metal and pesticide contamination of water and food
health effects of air, water, noise and land pollution
Health impact of climate change
Occupational health and safety
Port Health
Food hygiene and Safety
Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases
One Health
Application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems to health

Vulnerable populations such as women, children and people living in rural communities in Zimbabwe are of particular interest to us.

Our Programmes

Undergraduate

Duration: 3 Years

ZNQF Level: 8

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

To produce high-quality graduates who can use their knowledge and practical skills to provide solutions to real problems and to contribute towards industrial and innovative development in the field of Public Health.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science subject at grade C or better.

Normal Entry: A National Diploma in any Public Health qualification recognized by the National University of Science and Technology and at least one year of relevant work experience.

Mature Entry:

At least 25 years of age and at least FIVE years of relevant experience. The applicant may be subjected to an interview

Postgraduate

Skill level: Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 9)

Course Duration: 2 years

Purpose of Programme:

To produce high-quality graduates who can use their knowledge and practical skills to provide solutions to real problems and to contribute towards the field of Environmental Health in light of the dynamic global health challenges.

Program Characteristics

Areas of Study:

Considering the appreciation of linkages between the environment and health, (based on the statistic that environmental risks contribute 28 percent of Africa's disease burden), international organizations such as UNEP, intergovernmental panels such as the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), and local government arms such as the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care are focusing on and placing environment and health issues at the top of their national and continent-wide policies.

These policies are aimed at tackling growing challenges such as air pollution and respiratory infections; vector-borne diseases such as diarrhoea; and malaria, chemical exposures, and other environmental health impacts.

Specialist Focus:

The program provides a sound academic and practical foundation for future- self-employment in the field of Environmental Health and aids adaptation considering the global changes as far as Environmental Health is concerned.