Contributions of master in international health & nutrition policies alumni to African development.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how graduates, coming from low income Francophone countries, of the Master in International Health and Nutrition Policies program at the Senghor University are a new human capital bringing an original contribution to the global development of African communities. A secondary analysis of qualitative findings responded to the research question about the evidences of the impact of this new human capital over the community development of countries where the graduates worked. Findings also revealed graduates' potential to contribute to future endeavors in global health. The analysis was conceptually framed by the population health promotion model and the dyad of human and social capital. Findings were analyzed applying the thematic analysis method focusing on four themes: profile of human capital, impacts and results, review of contextual conditions and expected results. Accounts of 70 graduates indicated an emergence of a new profile of human capital due the reinforcement of their qualities, valorization of their assets and consolidation of their skills. As multi-level knowledge brokers, the graduates brought an original contribution to the African development by enhancing individuals' competencies. Graduates contributed to all social actors by socializing knowledge they acquired, as well as by integrating themselves in social relations at all levels resulting in the mobilization and promotion of individuals' competencies. Thus, graduates reinforced the positive actions of the existing human capital.