Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-disease-masterclass-communicable

Introduction

### Course Review: Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention In our interconnected world, understanding infectious diseases is more crucial than ever. Coursera's "Global Disease Masterclass: Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, Intervention and Prevention" offers a thorough exploration of key infectious diseases that have shaped public health paradigms and affected millions worldwide. This course is not only informative but also vital for anyone looking to make an impact in the field of public health, epidemiology, or global health. #### Course Overview This course provides a comprehensive look at four major infectious diseases: HIV, Malaria, Emerging Infectious Diseases (including Ebola and Zika), and Tuberculosis (TB). Each section is carefully structured, focusing on the disease's aetiology, epidemiology, transmission methods, preventive measures, and the latest research on interventions. By the end of the course, students will gather a holistic understanding of these diseases, their implications, and the global strategies to combat them. #### Detailed Breakdown of the Syllabus ##### HIV The first module dives into HIV, a disease that emerged in the 1980s and has since caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Through engaging lectures and case studies, learners will explore how HIV compromises the immune system, leading to AIDS, and how it spreads between individuals. The course evaluates the latest global epidemics and trends, delving into existing strategies led by UNAIDS to eradicate AIDS. The critical nature of preventative measures and treatment strategies provides students with the knowledge to engage actively in public health discussions. ##### Malaria Next, students are introduced to Malaria, notorious for its impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children under five. This module presents the intricate lifecycle of the malaria parasite and its transmission through mosquitoes. Participants will engage in interactive geographic data analysis to understand how climate affects malaria distribution. Students will also critique the World Health Organization's strategies for malaria prevention, gaining insights into successful practices and ongoing challenges. ##### Emerging Infectious Diseases The emergence of infectious diseases poses constant threats to public health, as seen through outbreaks of Ebola and Zika. This section emphasizes the strategies involved in combating such outbreaks, highlighting the importance of real-time data analysis during epidemics. Discovering the narratives behind these diseases equips students with a multifaceted understanding of epidemic preparedness and response, crucial for anyone interested in infectious disease epidemiology. ##### Tuberculosis The final module focuses on Tuberculosis, an ancient but ever-relevant disease, still responsible for significant mortality today. By exploring different global settings and transmission dynamics, students will learn the historical and contemporary approaches to treatment, prevention, and the complex factors influencing disease spread. Participants will engage with current research and international strategies aimed at ending TB, leading to a clearer understanding of ongoing public health efforts. #### Recommendations I highly recommend this course for students, public health professionals, and anyone with an interest in infectious diseases. The curriculum is well-structured, providing not only factual content but also critical analytical skills needed to evaluate global health strategies. Moreover, the course fosters an interactive learning environment, encouraging the analysis of real-world data and strategies. It's perfect for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of global health through the lens of these critical communicable diseases. Whether you are a health professional, a policymaker, or an enthusiastic learner, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage with significant health challenges in today's society. Sign up for the "Global Disease Masterclass" today and become part of the conversation shaping global public health responses.

Syllabus

HIV

This week you will look at HIV, an infectious disease that emerged in the 1980s and has become one of the leading causes of death in many countries. You will first look at how HIV affects the immune system and causes AIDS and how it spreads from person to person. You will then review the state of the global epidemic and look at current trends in specific countries. There are many interventions that are available to help prevent transmission and to treat persons who are HIV-positive, and you will review the evidence for each. You will review and critique the strategy that has been developed to ‘end AIDS’ by UNAIDS, the UN agency tasked with leading the fight against AIDS.

Malaria is one of the most high-profile infectious diseases and a major cause of death in young children in many parts of the world. You will first learn about the complicated way that malaria spreads from person to person via mosquitoes. This knowledge will help you to make sense of the relationship between climate and the global distribution of malaria, and you will explore this yourself using fine-scale geographic data. You will then look at the available interventions for combatting malaria and review and critique the WHO’s strategy for combating Malaria.

An important theme in infectious disease research is that new outbreaks can occur. You will look at two diseases that have emerged (or re-emerged) recently – Ebola and Zika. For each in turn, you will learn about what the disease is, how it is spread and the story of the most recent outbreaks. You will also learn about the challenges of trying to understand the nature of an epidemic whilst is it starting to spread, and you will examine data from the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic yourself. Finally, you will review strategies have been developed for responding to outbreaks and look at some of the development that are underway that should improve our ability to respond in the future.

The infectious disease that probably causes the most death worldwide today than any other is Tuberculosis, an ancient diseases that is posing new challenges in high and low income settings. Study this week begins with a review of how TB spreads and causes diseases and a close look at spread of disease in several different global settings. The mainstay approach has been providing treatment and you will learn how this has been done and how new approaches and seeking to do more. Prevention of TB touches on many aspects of health care and development, as well as pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, and you will learn about all the current avenues of research and implementation. Finally, you will read and critique current international strategies for ending the TB epidemic.