An Introduction to Global Health

Program Overview

This online short course from the University of Winchester provides an introduction to global health, covering topics such as population health, health inequalities, and global health initiatives. Taught by experts in the field, the course is self-paced and takes 5-10 hours to complete. It is particularly suitable for healthcare professionals and those interested in planetary health.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Module 1: People and the Planet:
• Covers human evolution, spread and development.
• Discusses how settlements and animal origins affect health.
• Concludes with an examination of population growth.
• Module 2: Causes of Death and Changes:
• Explores historical theories of disease.
• Investigates changes in causes of death and population increase.
• Uses a high-income country example to analyze death patterns.
• Provides an overview of major diseases and their epidemiology.
• Discusses future health challenges.
• Module 3: Health Gradient, Inequalities and Social Determinants:
• Explores the health-wealth relationship and health disparities.
• Analyzes the basic needs for survival and social structures' impact.
• Examines access to affordable healthcare and the workforce challenge.
• Investigates how animal origins and social hierarchies influence health.
• Uses a case study of a rural village in Africa.
• Follows a woman's healthcare journey from clinic visit to population health.
• Addresses barriers to healthcare use, need, demand, prevention, and service improvement.
• Module 5: Global Health Initiatives and the Future:
• Examines human activities' impacts on health and approaches to address them.
• Highlights the need for a coordinated effort to manage global problems.
• Describes the formation of the UN and WHO and health as a human right.
• Concludes with the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Provides examples and guidance for further engagement in global health.

Teaching:

• Taught by Dr. John Acres and Dr. Rachel Locke, experts in global health and public health.
• Delivered entirely online, self-paced, taking 5-10 hours to complete.
• No formal external assessment, but includes opportunities for reflection and guided learning.
• Delivered via the online platform Canvas, subject to specific country restrictions.
• Requires basic computer and internet access specifications.

Careers:

• Particularly suitable for healthcare professionals, aligning with AoMRC recommendations for global health knowledge in areas like:
• Diversity, Human Rights, and Ethics
• Environmental, Social, and Economic Determinants of Health
• Global Epidemiology
• Global Health Governance
• Health Systems and Health Professionals
• Relevant to individuals interested in Planetary Health and aligning with the Planetary Health Education Framework's domains:
• Interconnection with Nature
• The Anthropocene and Health
• Equity and Social Justice
• Movement Building and Systems Change
• Systems Thinking and Complexity

Other:

• Course start date: January 2024.
• Location: Distanced Learning only.
• Course length: 5-10 hours.
• Typical offer: Health Professionals.
• Fees: £95.