Participants in this course come from state ministries of health and local government departments in Cross River and Bauchi states. They include eight women and 12 men. The course will form the basis for an MSc Epidemiology qualification for eligible participants.

Divided into four modules totaling roughly 8 weeks, this course provides the participants with a thorough grounding in basic epidemiology and statistics, with a strong focus on applying these tools to support evidence-based health planning. The first two modules took place in Abuja in 2011, with the third in Calabar, Cross River State, from 14 May to 1 June 2012. Participants have also gained practical experience in designing and implementing social audits of priority health issues in their two states, in collaboration with the state and local health authorities.

 In the first two modules, participants gained knowledge and skills about relevant statistical and epidemiological methods. In the third module, they have analysed the data from the social audits in their two states. Supported by CIET tutors, they have drafted articles for scientific journals, as lead and co-authors. Article topics reflect the priority issues highlighted by the federal and state governments, including maternal morbidity and common childhood illnesses and their prevention and management.