The course has developed a global reputation over the last ten years, with 221 students from 65 countries taking the course. Nearly 70% of students come from low- and middle-income countries, and all students have work experience in low resource settings and many from contexts of conflict.
The impact of the course can be felt worldwide. Our alumni are leading change, from innovating paediatric care for Médecins Sans Frontières in West and Central Africa, initiating social impact projects for family planning and primary health care in Nigeria, integrating health into education across Zambia, to the development of digital vaccine passports in Thailand.
Among the many highlights of the 10th anniversary event were the inspirational impact stories presented by alumni. Examples included community health in India, health systems in Thailand and Liberia, and humanitarian work in Somalia and West Africa.
Delegates were joined by University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, and Pro-Vice Chancellors for Education, Professor Martin Williams, and for Innovation, Professor Chas Bountra.
Keynote addresses were given by Professor Sarah Gilbert who considered future vaccine preparedness and Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci who highlighted the importance of putting research into practice. Panel discussions and breakout sessions provided opportunities to explore developments and contemporary issues, including health systems, leadership, and health innovation. Topics discussed ranged from digital technology and AI, governance, global health solidarity to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The course director Professor Proochista Ariana said, 'I am truly humbled by the genuine passion our IHTM alumni have demonstrated and the positive changes they have made, and are making, in their communities. I am honoured that IHTM and Oxford have been a part of their stories. This inspirational gathering demonstrates how one person can make a difference, and how a community can affect positive change globally. Oxford is very proud to have contributed to the kind of impact you are all having.'