We are inspired by the growth in the number of visionary leaders who have benefited from the Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD) program at Harvard Medical School. The program provides training in management, program design, and research that students need to become leaders in the emerging field of global health delivery. The curriculum is focused on developing the tools needed to perform social and delivery science and policy research in resource-limited settings. The Abundance Foundation is proud to have supported this program since its inception.
MMSc-GHD students are mid-career professionals with experience in global health delivery in resource-poor settings. These students bring a wealth of clinical and programmatic knowledge to the program and learn critical research and implementation skills that allow them to become leaders in global health. Since its inception in 2012, the MMSc-GHD has received 512 applications, of which 161 were accepted. Of those, 93 students have joined the program.
Of the 49 alumni who graduated from the program between 2014 and 2019:
– 35 returned to their country of origin
– 5 went to a different resource-poor country to work in global health
– 6 work in non-resource-poor settings
– 3 are pursuing further study
The Abundance Foundation has provided scholarships to many students over the years. One graduate, Evrard Nahimana, received a full scholarship and stipend to participate in MMSc-GHD, and recently shared this update and reflection:
I was recently promoted to be the Africa Region Policy and Partnerships Advisor at Partners In Health. In this new role, I will support PIH global efforts to strengthen and leverage government accompaniment and policy advocacy across five Africa region countries in which PIH is currently engaging. This role comes at a critical time as governments across the African continent are working on their next 10 year strategic plans, taking into account the new realities that COVID-19 has surfaced, the need for regional integration and collaboration as well as identifying funding that prioritizes the highest quality of care for the most marginalized people in their communities, all on the path towards the progressive realization of the right to health.
As I reflect on my career path, I also want to acknowledge the role of the MMSC-GHD program and how it has shaped and continues to shape my thinking and resilience on social justice and health for all, particularly those who have been impoverished and marginalized.
We are delighted when we learn that graduates of the program go on to do the kind of powerful Global Health work that the world needs, now more than ever. Congratulations to Evrard – we look forward to seeing what you do in your new role!
