NU partners with Johns Hopkins University on public health

The National University (NU) is entering into a strategic partnership with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), one of the world's leading institutions in public health, education and research.

By working with this renowned institution, based in Baltimore, Maryland, the National University aims to open a new chapter in public health education in Bangladesh.

This was stated by Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, vice-chancellor of the National University, during a recent visit to Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

Professor Amanullah said that initial discussions had been completed successfully and JHU was now ready to start working with the National University. Under this partnership, NU will begin by modernising its Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum in line with global standards with support from JHU. The collaboration will also ensure proper allocation and use of resources to run the programme effectively, while both institutions will launch joint research in key areas of public health.

Highlighting his personal experience in the field, Professor Amanullah noted his work with institutions such as IUB, ASAUB, Brac James P Grant School of Public Health and icddr,b. He said that based on this experience, the National University would soon launch its own MPH programme.

"We have already received approval from our academic council and syndicate," he added. "With our existing resources and connections with national and international scholars, we hope to present the nation with one of the best MPH programmes in Bangladesh."

Professor Amanullah also emphasised the need to change perceptions about the National University's role. Citing examples from the Australian National University and the National University of Singapore, he said: "National universities around the world do not merely act as boards. They run major research centres, national and international institutes, and advanced academic programmes that contribute to national development."