Message from The Head Of Department

Welcome to the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health.

Public health is an arm of medicine that deals with the health of the population holistically. This arm of health collaborates with non-governmental and governmental entities to protect, prevent and promote holistic health.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined Public Health as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.” Activities to strengthen public health capacities and service aim to provide conditions under which people can maintain to be healthy, improve their health and wellbeing, or prevent the deterioration of their health. Public health, therefore as mentioned above focuses on the entire spectrum of health and wellbeing, not only the eradication of particular diseases.

It is against this background that the Department of Public Health has sought to embrace these principles even as it seeks to optimize its performance despite the complexity of the area. The department therefore, encourages scientific studies of research so that individuals are educated on the options for optimum health. These are promoted through several programmes, that include the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Speech and Audio Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Optometry and a General Diploma of Psychology.

Each of these programmes, in one way or the other, devises strategies that help people remain healthy, through vaccination, food protection and prevention of food-borne illnesses, drug therapy, speech and physical therapy or rehabilitation, and health and nutrition education through coping mechanisms and support group for readjustment to society.

As you embark on this journey with us, you will be exposed to concepts that are related to each discipline highlighted. Therefore, we encourage you to set high expectations and standards, develop good work ethics; work hard, complete your assignments and projects; prioritize your life, and become a productive citizen of the contemporary world in which, we live. Let us be guided by the inspirational thought of the great American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey, who once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

Dr. Michelle James

Head, Department of Public Health

University of Guyana