In an era of unprecedented data availability, public health challenges are more complex than ever. Traditional surveillance methods are often too slow to keep up with the pace of disease outbreaks, environmental shifts, and changing population needs. This course is designed to equip public health professionals with the skills to leverage big data—from electronic health records to social media and environmental sensors—to move from reactive to proactive decision-making. By harnessing the power of data, we can better understand population health trends, anticipate future challenges, and design more effective, data-driven interventions.

This training program goes beyond theory to provide a practical toolkit for public health leaders, epidemiologists, and policy makers. You will learn how to acquire, manage, and analyze large datasets to inform policy, allocate resources, and communicate critical health information to the public. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you will gain the confidence to integrate big data strategies into your organization, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes and building a more resilient health system for the future.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Public health officials and leaders
• Epidemiologists and biostatisticians
• Health policy makers and analysts
• Data scientists in the public sector
• Program managers at public health NGOs
• Health informatics specialists
• Environmental and community health specialists
• Public health researchers and academics
• Urban planners with an interest in health
• Health communication and education professionals

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of big data and its role in public health.
• Utilize diverse data sources for real-time disease surveillance.
• Develop skills in advanced data visualization for public health communication.
• Evaluate the ethical and privacy considerations of using large datasets.
• Apply predictive analytics to forecast public health trends.
• Formulate evidence-based policies and interventions.
• Ensure data quality and integrity in complex health datasets.
• Create a framework for resource allocation based on data insights.
• Lead data-driven initiatives within public health organizations.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Big Data in Public Health

• Defining big data and its characteristics
• The diverse sources of public health data
• Understanding the big data ecosystem
• The role of big data in public health policy
• Real-world case studies of big data initiatives

Module 2: Data Acquisition and Management

• Techniques for gathering data from EHRs, social media, and sensors
• Data cleaning and preprocessing for public health applications
• Managing and storing large-scale datasets
• Cloud computing and data infrastructure
• Ensuring data integrity and quality

Module 3: Statistical Analysis and Visualization

• Applying statistical methods to public health data
• Principles of effective data visualization
• Using popular visualization tools and platforms
• Creating dynamic dashboards for decision-makers
• Storytelling with data to communicate complex issues

Module 4: Predictive Modeling and Epidemiology

• Introduction to epidemiological modeling with big data
• Forecasting disease outbreaks and health trends
• Machine learning algorithms for risk stratification
• Geospatial analysis and mapping health disparities
• Building early warning systems for public health threats

Module 5: Health Policy and Program Evaluation

• Translating data insights into actionable policy recommendations
• Using big data for program monitoring and evaluation
• Conducting cost-benefit analysis of health interventions
• Data-driven advocacy for health equity
• Strategic planning for long-term health outcomes

Module 6: Ethical and Social Implications

• Navigating data privacy and security regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
• Addressing algorithmic bias in public health models
• The digital divide and ensuring data accessibility
• Gaining and maintaining public trust in data-driven initiatives
• Developing a robust data governance framework

Module 7: Future Trends and Strategic Leadership

• The integration of AI and IoT in public health
• The rise of precision public health
• Building a sustainable big data strategy for your organization
• Fostering a data-literate public health workforce
• The future of big data for global public health

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.