PH 350

Using a systems thinking approach, this course provides an introduction to some of today’s most critical global health issues and priorities, including the actions that governments, communities, and organizations are taking to promote health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Topics discussed will include the justification for adopting a global health perspective; health transitions; socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health; the cultural context of public health; and connections between health and human rights, health and gender equity, and the implementation of global public health initiatives and health policy. The course will introduce the main “players” in global health financing and implementation, global health and development goals, and best practices for addressing many of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in different global settings. This includes an introduction to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other infectious diseases; nutrition and food insecurities; reproductive health; noncommunicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease; mental health disorders; and injuries. (Prerequisite: PH301)