Course overview
This course will allow students to develop a critical understanding of the drivers that have resulted in global health risks, especially different health outcomes between high and low income countries. Students will learn about measures of global burden of disease and how these can be used to understand global health challenges and health disparities between countries in terms of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Students will draw on their knowledge of epidemiology, health promotion and public health evaluation to analyse and evaluate global health challenges and responses, and develop a critical appreciation of the health system and policy levers that can be used to improve health outcomes. They will also learn about the role of international agencies (e.g. World Health Organisation, World Bank, IMF, Gates Foundation, UNICEF, AusAid), how these articulate with the work done at a national and local level, and how coordinated global action is required to tackle many of the most pressing global health challenges.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe measures of the global burden of disease and global health disparities
- Describe and characterise a range of transnational and global public health challengesDescribe the role of international agencies and how these articulate with national agencies to address global health challenges through coordinated global health action
- Explain how social, economic and environmental determinants of health impact on global health challenges
- Explain the impact of globalisation on global burden of disease and injury
- Identify and critically evaluate the health system and health policy levers that can be used to improve health outcomes in developing (low and middle income) countries
- Demonstrate an awareness of intercultural and ethical issues in responding to global health challenges