The Ifakara Health Institute, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has announced an intensive training course “Health Systems Planning under Pressure: Tanzanian - Swiss Course”, scheduled to take place from January 11–20, 2026, in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Ten days of an immersive learning experience 
This 10-day course offers an immersive learning experience for healthcare professionals and master's students interested in health planning and policy. Set against the backdrop of Tanzania’s dynamic healthcare landscape, participants will explore how health systems function under limited resources, tackling real-world challenges in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural environment.

The course will bring together Swiss students as well as healthcare professionals and Tanzanian peers to examine critical topics such as public health, epidemiology, health equity, and health system structures in both the Tanzania and Switzerland. 

Guidance from renowned experts 
Led by experts including Dr. Grace Mhalu of Ifakara, Prof. Mirko Winkler of Swiss TPH, and Micha Bigler, a PhD candidate in health systems planning at Swiss TPH and beneficiary of the Swiss Study Foundation, the course will blend academic lectures with hands-on fieldwork. 

Participants will also engage with keynote speakers such as Dr. Honorati Masanja, the IHI Chief Executive Director, Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, the Director General at East Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), as well as local health leaders in Bagamoyo.

Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from healthcare professionals and master’s students who have not previously taken part in the course. The application deadline is September 30, 2025. Only limited spaces available, so applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their spots!

For full course details and application instructions, click here.