The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded $1.8m to strengthen education and leadership in maternal and child health.
The funding will be provided over five years by the Health Resources and Services Administration to UAB’s School of Public Health.
UAB is one of 13 grantees in the US selected as a Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education.
The grant will be used to prepare current professionals and future leaders to improve health outcomes for mothers, children, young people with special healthcare needs and families.
Alabama has one of the worst maternal and child mortality rates in the country, making the programme particularly significant for the state.
The university said students will work directly with practitioners, applying classroom learning to real-world challenges in maternal and child health.
Funding will also support professional development and leadership opportunities.
Paul Erwin, dean of UAB’s School of Public Health, said: “This award recognises the very broad and deep expertise in maternal and child health in the School of Public Health.”
Programme offerings include master’s and doctoral degrees in public health, as well as a certificate in maternal and child health policy and leadership.