We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Gabrielle Fitzgerald and Peter Small

Having completed this course, learners will be able to:

Describe and analyze the opportunities, challenges and limits of Global Health Diplomacy.

Examine the diplomatic, financial, and geopolitical context that underlies global health decision-making.

Explain the role of the many players in the space, including governments, philanthropists, and multilateral institutions .

Course Objective

Read more

Having completed this course, learners will be able to:

Describe and analyze the opportunities, challenges and limits of Global Health Diplomacy.

Examine the diplomatic, financial, and geopolitical context that underlies global health decision-making.

Explain the role of the many players in the space, including governments, philanthropists, and multilateral institutions .

Course Objective

The field of global health is often thought of purely in medical or public health terms, but there are important geopolitical and policy dimensions of global health that underlie programmatic responses to global health challenges. By completing this course, learners will be able to explain the specific institutions and initiatives that are fundamental to current global health diplomacy activities and functions, and how these influence global health outcomes. Learners will further be able to summarize real-world examples where global health diplomacy either helped or limited global health outcomes, and explain the reasons for those outcomes.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Overview and who are the players in global health diplomacy?
This module will introduce you to the instructor, the concept of Global Health Diplomacy, and the major players in global health.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Course is a good fit for those with a foundational understanding of global health and diplomacy
Develops skills in analyzing diplomatic, financial, and geopolitical factors that shape global health decision-making
Teaches about the roles of different players in global health, including governments, philanthropists, and multilateral institutions
Examines real-world examples of how global health diplomacy has influenced global health outcomes
May require additional background knowledge in global health or diplomacy

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Overview of global health diplomacy

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction and comprehensive overview of the field of Global Health Diplomacy. Many found it particularly effective at explaining the complex landscape of players, institutions, and financing mechanisms. It is frequently described as excellent for beginners or those new to the non-medical aspects of global health. However, some students felt the material was too basic and lacked sufficient depth for those with prior knowledge or experience in the field. A few reviews also suggested the examples could be more recent or that more focus on practical diplomatic strategies would be beneficial. Overall, it provides a good foundation and well-organized structure, making it a valuable starting point.
Instructor engagement received mixed feedback.
"The lecturers were great."
"I felt some of the lectures were a bit dry."
"I didn't find the instructor particularly engaging."
Logical structure and clear presentation.
"Good structure though."
"The material is well-organized."
"The structure was logical, building block by block."
"It's a lot of information, but presented clearly."
Covers key aspects of the field.
"...financing and governance were particularly insightful."
"The section on global health security was very relevant given recent events."
"It was helpful for broadening my perspective beyond purely medical issues."
"Could benefit from more recent examples."
Provides a good overview for newcomers.
"Excellent overview of the complex world of global health diplomacy."
"A solid introduction to the key concepts and players."
"Very comprehensive for an introductory course. Clearly explains the landscape..."
"I found it a good high-level introduction to the policy and financial aspects of global health."
Too basic for experienced learners.
"Disappointing. Too basic for anyone with prior knowledge."
"Outdated and not worth the time if you already work in the field. Very high-level."
"I expected more depth on negotiation strategies; it's more about who the players are."
"The material felt too basic, almost like a long wikipedia summary."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Health Diplomacy with these activities:
Read 'Global Health Governance' by Ilona Kickbusch
Gain a comprehensive understanding of global health governance
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book
  • Read the book
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts
  • Review your notes and discuss with peers or instructor
Explore the World Health Organization (WHO) website
Familiarize with key resources and information
Show steps
  • Visit the WHO website
  • Explore different sections and resources
  • Read articles and reports
  • Attend virtual events or webinars
Attend a global health conference or workshop
Gain exposure to experts and industry insights
Show steps
  • Identify relevant conferences or workshops
  • Register and attend the event
  • Network with professionals and experts
  • Participate in discussions and presentations
  • Follow up with contacts and apply new knowledge
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage in peer study groups
Enhance understanding through collaboration
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group
  • Set regular meeting times
  • Review course materials
  • Discuss key concepts
  • Work on assignments together
Create a comprehensive study guide
Improve retention and organization of course materials
Show steps
  • Gather notes from lectures, readings, and assignments
  • Organize materials by topic or theme
  • Create outlines, summaries, and flashcards
  • Review and update the study guide regularly
Develop a presentation on a specific global health issue
Enhance knowledge and communication skills
Show steps
  • Choose a specific global health issue
  • Research and gather information
  • Create a presentation outline
  • Develop slides and visuals
  • Practice and deliver the presentation
Contribute to a global health-related open-source project
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the community
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project related to global health
  • Join the project community
  • Read the project documentation
  • Contribute code, documentation, or other resources
  • Collaborate with other community members

Career center

Learners who complete Global Health Diplomacy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Consultant, Global Health
Consultants in Global Health provide advice to governments, international organizations, and other clients on global health issues. They may work on a variety of projects, such as developing health policies, evaluating programs, and strengthening health systems. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Global Health Policy Analyst
Global Health Policy Analysts support international organizations and governments, as well as private-sector entities, in developing and implementing policies that aim to improve global health. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Program Manager, Global Health
Program Managers in Global Health oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs in developing countries. They work with governments, NGOs, and other partners to ensure that programs are aligned with local needs and priorities. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Global Health Educator
Global Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to improve health outcomes in developing countries. They work with communities, schools, and health workers to promote healthy behaviors and provide information about health issues. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Nonprofit Manager, Global Health
Nonprofit Managers in Global Health lead and manage non-profit organizations that work to improve health outcomes in developing countries. They oversee all aspects of the organization's operations, including fundraising, program development, and evaluation. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Global Health Funder
Global Health Funders provide financial support to organizations working to improve health outcomes in developing countries. They may work for government agencies, foundations, or other non-profit organizations. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Global Health Philanthropist
Global Health Philanthropists donate money to support organizations working to improve health outcomes in developing countries. They may also use their wealth to advocate for global health issues. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field, its key players, and critical issues.
Global Health Advocate
Global Health Advocates work to raise awareness and advocate for policies that improve health outcomes worldwide. They may work with governments, NGOs, or other organizations. Global Health Diplomacy may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career, as it provides a foundation in the key issues, institutions, and strategies involved in global health policy and advocacy.
Diplomat
Diplomats negotiate policies and treaties between governments. Those working in global health may advise on and negotiate foreign policy relating to global health issues, such as pandemic preparedness and response, and access to essential medicines. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the relevant institutions, policies, and geopolitical context, which may be very useful for those seeking to pursue this career.
Lawyer, Global Health
Lawyers specializing in global health advise clients on legal issues related to global health, such as access to medicines, intellectual property, and human rights. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the key issues, institutions, and strategies involved in global health policy and advocacy, which may be helpful for those seeking to pursue this career path.
International Development Consultant
International Development Consultants advise governments, international organizations, and non-profit organizations on economic and social development projects. Those specializing in global health may assist in designing and implementing health programs, as well as evaluating their effectiveness. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the underlying geopolitical and policy dimensions of global health, which may be helpful for those considering this career path.
International Health Researcher
International Health Researchers conduct research on global health issues, such as disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and the social determinants of health. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the geopolitical and policy dimensions of global health, which may be helpful for those seeking to pursue this career path.
Journalist, Global Health
Journalists specializing in global health report on health issues in developing countries. They may work for print, broadcast, or online media. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the geopolitical and policy dimensions of global health, which may be helpful for those seeking to pursue this career path.
Professor, Global Health
Professors in Global Health teach and conduct research on global health issues. They may also advise students and develop educational programs. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the key issues, institutions, and strategies involved in global health policy and advocacy, which may be helpful for those seeking to pursue this career path.
Global Health Communications Specialist
Global Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness and advocate for global health issues. They work with media outlets, governments, and other organizations to ensure that accurate information about global health is disseminated. Global Health Diplomacy provides a foundation in the key issues, institutions, and strategies involved in global health policy and advocacy, which may be helpful for those seeking to pursue this career path.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Global Health Diplomacy.
Provides introductory background knowledge on the modern field of global health policy and practice.
Examines the political and economic factors that shape global health outcomes, arguing that health political choice.
Provides a detailed overview of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It discusses the history of the Global Fund, its structure and governance, and its impact on global health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health policy. It examines the different actors involved in global health policy, and discusses the different policy issues facing global health.
Provides a concise overview of global health. It examines the different challenges facing global health, and discusses the different choices that can be made to address these challenges.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser