Public health is one of the fastest-growing fields in developing countries. The general population has so many needs that have to be regularly met and one of the most important, which usually tops the list, is health. This is one of the major reasons why there is always a need for health professionals. In a simple statement, public health is a popular health career that allows professionals to work with a variety of people from various fields and specializations to attain a specific purpose. The field is becoming a big fish in the career ocean and lots of people are beginning to move towards that line.
Public Health: A Broad and Dynamic Field
Public health is one of the broadest fields in the medical sector. It has lots of various areas and is as broad as you can imagine. While the profession has been seen as one of the top paying careers in Zambia at the moment, it is also regarded among the most successful in terms of job opportunities and prospects. The profession spans across a large range of spheres and activities which all focus on evaluation and regulation of public health.
Public health professionals in Zambia are among the top earners in the medical sector, mainly because they often work with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). On average, they earn between KW180,000 – KW350,000 depending on the organization they work for. For instance, FHI 360 pays KW330,000 – KW370,000 for Public Health Entry Level as of 2023, while the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) pays KW230,000 – KW250,000 for the same level.
The field is also a very dynamic one. It entertains graduates from various fields to enrol for the degree. Although some few universities offer the degree in undergraduate level, most other universities offer the course in Masters level which entertains graduates from various fields.
How Much Do Public Health Professionals Earn in Zambia?
Public health is gradually rating among the most noble, flexible and top paying professions in Zambia. The fact that they mostly work with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) is one reason they are among the top earners in the medical sector. While it is widely classified under medical sector, it is so dynamic that it accommodates people from various fields, in as much as you have the Public Health certificate.
In terms of salary, they surely rate as high as many other medical professionals. Take nothing away from their bonuses and other basic allowances as well. Most of the NGOs they work with are foreign organization, hence one of the reasons their pay is on the high side. Salary aside, the flexibility and excitement in the job is another factor that attracts young professionals to the field.
On the average, Public health professionals earn between KW180, 000 – KW350, 000 depending on the organization. Here we will consider some NGOs and how much they pay their entry level staff.
- FHI 360 pays KW330, 000 – KW370, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC) pays KW230, 000 – KW250, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
- Norwegian Refugee Council pays KW230, 000 – KW250, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
- International Medical Corps pays KW180, 000 – KW20, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
- Catholic Relief Services pays KW330, 000 – KW360, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
- Action Against Hunger pays KW180, 000 – KW220, 100 for Public Health Entry Level as at 2023
It should be noted that there is a significant increase insalary with time, as do bonuses and other incentives.
How to Become a Public Health Professional in Zambia
To become a public health professional in Zambia, one needs to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or a related discipline. Most schools in Zambia don’t offer public health at the bachelor’s degree level, so it’s common to settle for biological or medical science courses. Afterward, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Public Health is essential, whether or not you have a bachelor’s degree in the field. This degree gives you an edge and allows you to specialize in an area of the field.
Are you aspiring to be a public health professional in Zambia? Well then, there are some basic steps you need to take to be certified as one. Here, we will consider the steps involved in becoming a public health professional.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or other Related Discipline: Here, you need to obtain a relevant bachelor’s degree certificate in Public health or other similar fields. Most schools in Zambia don’t offer public health at bachelor’s degree. It is safe to settle for biological or medical science courses in undergraduate level. Courses like Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy, Chemistry and other living science-related degrees are acceptable in most cases.
- Obtain Master’s Degree in Public Health: This is a no-brainer. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in public health, it is essential you obtain a master’s degree in Public health. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree in the field, it is always better to go for a master’s degree in the field as it gives you an edge and makes you specialize in an area of the field.
Understanding the Public Health Sector in Zambia
Public health professionals in Zambia are among the top earners in the medical sector, mainly because they often work with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). On average, they earn between KW180,000 – KW350,000 depending on the organization they work for. For instance, FHI 360 pays KW330,000 – KW370,000 for Public Health Entry Level as of 2023, while the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) pays KW230,000 – KW250,000 for the same level.
Opportunities in Public Health
Public health professionals have a wide range of opportunities in Zambia. They can work in government agencies, NGOs, hospitals, and research institutions. They can also work as health educators, epidemiologists, health services administrators, and environmental health specialists. The demand for public health professionals is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing health challenges in the country.
Is It Worth It?
Considering the salary, job opportunities, and the impact you can make in the society, pursuing a career in public health in Zambia is definitely worth it. It’s a rewarding career that allows you to contribute to the improvement of public health in the country.
Conclusion
Public health is a promising career in Zambia. With the right education and skills, you can have a successful career in this field. So, if you’re passionate about improving public health and making a difference in the society, this might be the right career for you.
Remember, the journey to becoming a public health professional requires dedication and hard work. But with the right mindset and determination, you can achieve your career goals in public health. Good luck!
For more information about salaries and job opportunities in Zambia, visit ZambiaPrice.
