Khon Kaen University Logo

Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Community Health Development

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Community Health Development

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Community Health Development is intrinsically aligned with the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on improving the health and well-being of populations through community-based approaches, research, and policy development. The curriculum is designed to produce leaders who can tackle complex health challenges by addressing their social, economic, and environmental determinants. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its comprehensive focus on epidemiology, health promotion, and primary health care. It actively supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by equipping graduates to work with vulnerable communities and design health interventions that promote equity. By including specialized courses in environmental and occupational health, the program directly addresses SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). As an advanced research-based degree, it is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and embodies the collaborative spirit required for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1 Icon SDG 1: No Poverty

Alignment Summary: This program contributes to poverty reduction by addressing the strong links between poverty and health. By training professionals to develop community-based health programs and improve access to primary care, the curriculum helps build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations, reducing the burden of disease that often traps families in poverty.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 701Principles of Community Medicine, Family Medicine and Occupational MedicineSupports Target 1.4 by building the resilience of the poor and vulnerable through strengthening community-based primary health care, which is a key social protection system.

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: The program is central to promoting good health by advancing the science and practice of community and preventive medicine. The curriculum provides a comprehensive toolkit for understanding disease patterns, promoting health, managing health services, and implementing primary health care, all of which are essential for achieving universal health coverage and well-being for all ages.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 704Applied Epidemiology for Community MedicineStrengthens the capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks (Target 3.d) through the application of epidemiological principles to community health problems.
MD 837 721Health PromotionDirectly supports the promotion of health and well-being (Target 3.4) by teaching the principles and strategies for creating supportive environments and empowering communities to take control of their health.
MD 837 731Primary Health Care ManagementContributes to achieving universal health coverage (Target 3.8) by providing the skills to manage and improve the delivery of primary health care services.
MD 837 733Health Service ManagementAligns with good health by providing the knowledge to manage health services effectively, which is crucial for strengthening health systems (Target 3.c).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum is a pillar of quality education, offering advanced and specialized training in community health development. It is designed to equip students with the research, analytical, and leadership skills necessary for high-level employment, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and evidence-based practice to solve complex community health problems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 705Research Methodology for Community Health DevelopmentDirectly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills required for relevant, high-level employment in the health and development sectors.
MD 837 891Seminar in Community Health Development IEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis and communication of scientific literature, essential for continuous professional development.
MD 837 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge to the field (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to gender equality by addressing health issues specific to women and by promoting health programs that are inclusive and sensitive to gender dynamics. The course on maternal and child health is particularly relevant, as it focuses on improving the health outcomes of women and children, a key area for achieving gender equality.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 724Maternal and Child HealthDirectly supports Target 5.6 by ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, which includes maternal health care.

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The program addresses the critical links between water, sanitation, and health through its focus on environmental health. By training professionals to assess and manage environmental risks, including waterborne diseases, the curriculum contributes to the protection of water-related ecosystems and the health of communities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 734Environmental HealthSupports Target 6.1 and 6.2 by addressing the health impacts of inadequate water and sanitation, and by providing the skills to implement community-based environmental health interventions.

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to decent work and economic growth by focusing on the health and safety of workers. The course in occupational health provides the expertise to create safe working environments, which reduces work-related injuries and illnesses, enhances productivity, and promotes sustainable economic activity.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 732Occupational Health and Occupational MedicineDirectly supports Target 8.8 by teaching principles and practices to protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The program aims to reduce health inequalities by training professionals to work with diverse and vulnerable populations. By focusing on community participation, social mobilization, and the management of health services, it equips graduates to design and implement health programs that are equitable and empower marginalized groups.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 703Social Sciences and Behavioral Sciences in Community HealthDirectly addresses Target 10.2 by providing the tools to understand and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, ensuring that health programs are culturally sensitive and equitable.
MD 837 722Social Mobilization in HealthContributes to reducing inequalities by empowering communities to participate in decisions that affect their health, promoting equal opportunity and social inclusion (Target 10.3).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to making cities and communities sustainable by providing expertise in environmental health. This knowledge is crucial for managing the environmental determinants of health in urban and rural settings, ensuring that human settlements are safe, resilient, and promote the well-being of their inhabitants.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 734Environmental HealthContributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6) by addressing issues such as pollution and waste management from a public health perspective.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally about building partnerships for sustainable development. It trains professionals to be effective facilitators who can work across sectors—linking government, NGOs, and local communities—to plan, implement, and evaluate effective health programs, embodying a multi-stakeholder approach to development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
MD 837 702Community Health DevelopmentDirectly supports multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) by teaching the skills needed to plan, monitor, and evaluate effective community development projects, which are inherently collaborative.
MD 837 891 / 892Seminar in Community Health Development I / IIEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students engage with and present on the latest global health and development research, fostering knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
MD 837 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships by creating and sharing knowledge on effective community health strategies and interventions to help solve sustainability challenges (Target 17.16).