About Course
This course explores health issues that transcend national boundaries, focusing on the interconnectedness of global communities in developing cultural competency and collaborative international approaches to addressing global health challenges. Emphasis is on infectious disease outbreaks, global health disparities, health systems, and the impact of globalization on health.
Course Objectives
– Understand the global burden of disease and determinants of health.
– Analyze health disparities between and within countries.
– Examine the role of international organizations in global health.
– Evaluate strategies for addressing emerging infectious diseases and chronic conditions globally.
– Develop critical thinking skills in analyzing ethical and cultural issues in global health practice.
Learning Outcomes
– Describe the major global health challenges facing different regions.
– Discuss the impact of globalization on disease transmission and health equity.
– Compare various health systems and global health initiatives.
– Apply knowledge of global health principles to real-world case studies and public health interventions.
Course Outline (At a Glance)
|
Week |
Topic |
Focus Points |
Assignments & Readings |
|
1 |
Introduction to Global Health |
Defining global health; historical perspectives; global vs. international health |
Reading: Merson et al., Global Health (Ch. 1) |
|
2 |
Global Burden of Disease |
Epidemiological transition; DALYs and QALYs |
Reading: Skolnik, Global Health 101 (Ch. 2) |
|
3 |
Determinants of Health |
Social, economic, political, and environmental determinants |
Reading: Merson et al. (Ch. 3) |
|
4 |
Health Systems and Policy |
Comparative analysis of health systems globally |
Reading: Skolnik (Ch. 4) |
|
5 |
Global Health Governance |
Role of WHO, UN, NGOs, and partnerships |
Reading: Merson et al. (Ch. 5) |
|
6 |
Infectious Disease Challenges |
HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 |
Reading: Skolnik (Ch. 6) |
|
7 |
Non-Communicable Diseases |
Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, mental health |
Reading: Merson et al. (Ch. 7) |
|
8 |
Maternal and Child Health |
Global initiatives and progress |
Reading: Skolnik (Ch. 8) |
|
9 |
Nutrition and Food Security |
Malnutrition, obesity, and food systems |
Reading: Merson et al. (Ch. 9) |
|
10 |
Environmental and Climate Health |
Climate change, pollution, and sustainable development |
Reading: Skolnik (Ch. 10) |
|
11 |
Globalization and Health Equity |
Health migration, trade, and cultural dynamics |
Reading: Merson et al. (Ch. 11) |
|
12 |
Future Directions in Global Health |
Emerging challenges and careers in global health |
Reading: Skolnik (Ch. 12) |
Core Texts & Suggested Readings
– 1. Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., & Mills, A. J. (2018). Global Health: Diseases, Programs, Systems, and Policies. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
– 2. Skolnik, R. (2021). Global Health 101 (4th Ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
– 3. Farmer, P. (2003). Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. University of California Press.
– 4. World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Statistics Annual Reports.
Course Content
Course Outline/Syllabus
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Course Content