Development of human resources for health in Tanzania: A case study of the MSc in Health Monitoring and Evaluation Program at Mzumbe University

Abstract

Introduction: The Mzumbe University MSc Health Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Program, launched in 2013, is aimed at building human resources  capacity in Tanzania and East Africa by developing high-caliber M&E professionals to provide leadership in public health systems and the private sector.  This case study aimed to describe the process of establishing the program and report results of an interim evaluation.

Case: The program’s innovative curriculum focuses on enabling graduates to implement M&E systems that respond to organizational challenges.  Program content was driven by results of a training needs assessment, which sought input from stakeholder organizations. The curriculum is  competency-based with content determined by learning objectives established for each course. It is delivered over three academic semesters followed by  a fourth semester during which students implement field projects that serve as their master’s dissertations. The program draws on outside faculty and M&E practitioners to assure that student learning is balanced between theory and practice. Graduates are expected to assume influential positions in  their workplaces, including public and private health organizations, hospitals, central and local government health authorities as well as international  health organizations.

Discussion: The MSc Health M&E Program at Mzumbe University serves as a model for sustainable human resources for health M&E capacity and  development in the East African region and beyond. The interim evaluation validated the success of the methods used in program development and  implementation. Student feedback indicates that they have acquired the required skills to serve successfully in M&E leadership positions post-graduation.