Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/global-health-overview

Introduction

### Course Review: Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview #### Overview In today’s hyper-connected world, global health presents critical challenges that transcend geographical, cultural, and political boundaries. The course titled **Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview**, offered through Coursera, aims to provide an extensive examination of these challenges by integrating insights from multiple academic fields, including medicine, public health, law, economics, social sciences, and the humanities. #### Course Structure The course is thoughtfully curated into several modules that cover a range of contemporary issues in global health. With contributions from esteemed institutions such as the University of Geneva, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and various other reputable organizations, students will benefit from a wealth of knowledge. The emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students to tackle global health issues with a well-rounded approach. **Here’s a brief overview of the course syllabus:** 1. **Introduction to Global Health Concepts**: This module sets the stage for understanding global health, discussing its evolving definition and significance in the modern world. 2. **Emerging Trends in Global Health: Infectious Diseases**: Comprising seven sections, this module delves into infectious diseases—discussing their current status, future challenges, neglected tropical diseases, and global responses to epidemics and pandemics. 3. **Emerging Trends in Global Health: Non-Communicable Diseases and Disability**: Focuses on the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the impact of mental disorders and disabilities on global health. 4. **Governance for Global Health, Health Systems, and Financing**: This module explores the intricacies of global health governance and the management practices crucial for a responsive health system. 5. **Foreign Policy, Trade, and Health**: Analyzes the shifting perspectives surrounding health policy, especially how globalization has transformed health into a national and international priority. 6. **Research, Development, Innovation, and Technology for Global Health**: Addresses critical gaps in R&D for diseases that predominantly affect developing nations and considers the implications of intellectual property rights. 7. **The Environment, Sustainable Development, and Health**: Examines the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and health, highlighting how ecological factors influence health outcomes. #### Personal Experience Throughout this course, engagement is highly encouraged, particularly through discussion forums that foster interaction among peers and instructors. This participatory approach enhances the learning ecosystem and allows students to share diverse viewpoints on the material. The content is presented through a combination of video lectures, reading materials, and assessments that challenge learners to critically analyze and apply their knowledge. Each module builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive learning experience that is both informative and provocative. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Interdisciplinary Approach**: The integration of multiple disciplines provides a comprehensive understanding of global health challenges. - **Expert Insights**: Contributions from renowned experts offer real-world perspectives, enhancing theoretical knowledge. - **Interactive Learning**: The emphasis on discussion and participation makes learning dynamic and engaging. **Cons:** - **Broad Scope**: The wide-ranging topics may feel overwhelming to some students, especially those new to global health concepts. - **Time Commitment**: The depth of the content requires a significant investment of time and effort to fully grasp and engage. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the **Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview** course to anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global health. Whether you are a student, a professional in the healthcare sector, or simply someone with a passion for global well-being, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful discussions and initiatives in global health. With its focus on interdisciplinary learning and the inclusion of voices from various sectors, this course is not just an educational endeavor; it's an invitation to be part of a global conversation. Enroll today, and prepare to broaden your horizons on one of the most pressing issues of our time!

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview! This course consists of the course guides, including discussion forum activities and assessments, along with presentations by a range of presenters, from the University of Geneva, The Graduate Institute, WHO, UNDP, WTO, IUCN, Medicines Patent Pool, among others. You will benefit from the insights and perspectives of multiple contributors involved in global health research, teaching, policy and practice across disciplines and sectors. Your enjoyment and benefits from the course will above all depend on your participation within this course, and we very much look forward to your participation through the discussion forums. Enjoy the course!

This module will introduce the concept of global health. Global health is a relatively new field and there is currently some debate over its definition.

There are 7 parts to module 3. Lessons 3 & 4 are both introductory sections that describe key concepts necessary to understand infectious diseases and how we deal with them. Lesson 5 constitutes the core lesson of module 3. This lesson focuses on the current global situation and future challenges for the most prominent infectious diseases of the world. In lessons 6-9 we discuss neglected tropical diseases, re-emerging infectious diseases and epidemics/pandemics. Finally, lesson 10 and 10b summarize module 3 in a set of key conclusions.

In this module we consider the rise of non-communicable (NCDs) diseases across countries, along with mental disorders and disability.

This module is concerned with the global health system (which refers to responses to health conditions or the prevention of these) and the management of this system through global health governance.

Health policy has undergone profound changes during the last few decades. Although health has for a long time been an issue in international relations, it was for most of the 20th century perceived as a national and technical matter. This meant that solutions to health problems were seen to require primarily scientific and technological collaboration rather than political commitment. Along with the dramatic changes associated with globalisation, health is increasingly seen as a higher priority on international political agendas. In Module 6, we discuss what triggered this political ‘revolution’ and its implications.

This module addresses the lack of attention to research and development for medicines and technologies for diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries and all the issues related to drug development and intellectual property rights.

In this module we consider the relationship between the environment, sustainable development and health.