Migration and health from Coursera

Migration and health is the second instalment of the wider Global Health Challenges and Governance specialisation from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH). The scope and content of this course has been developed from the ground up by a combined team of academics and practitioners drawing on a wealth of real-world public health experience as well as deep academic knowledge. Through short video lectures, readings and a wide range of interactive activities, learners will be immersed in the intersection of migration and health.

Designed for those new to the discipline, over four modules (intended for one week of learning each), learners will become familiar with the relationship between migration and health. Learners will be introduced to key terms and global trends in migrations, the profound impact of crises in non-health sectors on health, and policy instruments addressing migration. By the end of this course, learners will be able to describe international treaties protecting migrants’ right to health and migrant sensitive health systems. Learners will also be able to critically evaluate whether and how their national health system is providing universal health coverage to migrants.

The subsequent course in this specialisation requires the knowledge from this course, as learners will take a deep dive into climate change by applying their global health analytical skills and knowledge of multilateral policy instruments to this important global health challenge.

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Syllabus

Welcome to Migration and Health

An Introduction to Migration

This module begins by exploring how policies, and global trends and crises in non-health sectors can have a profound impact on health. More and more, health is the unwitting victim of global trends and crises, beyond our direct control, and policies made in the international systems that tie countries, economies, commerce, and trade together. We introduce learners to key terms and global trends in migration, and examine global governance structures and key policy instruments addressing migration.

The Health Impacts of Migration

This module introduces learners to the different stages of migration, and health-related risks and opportunities at each stage. We then explore health risks and opportunities at each stage of migration in different settings, and for a specific vulnerable group of migrants, those people who are trafficked.

Migration and Health, Global Governance, and Policy Making

This module introduces learners to migrant health global governance structures. Having previously considered the different stages of migration, we now look at the health-related policy processes and perspectives in relation to migrants. Historically, measures around migrant health operated primarily to protect the public health of the native population from the ‘threat’ posed by immigrants and travelers. We examine how, over time, there has been growing recognition that international policy-level attention to the health and human rights of migrants is required, with several international treaties now including provisions to protect migrants’ rights to health.

Migrants and Universal Health Coverage

This module introduces the learner to the concept of a migrant sensitive health system. We then explore how a number of different national health systems across the world are providing healthcare to migrants. Learners are introduced to the WHO Universal Health Coverage cube before having the opportunity to use the framework to examine how their national health system is providing universal health coverage to migrants.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the relationship between migration and health, a rarely covered but increasingly important topic in global public health

Taught by Wendy Kwok, Christina Atchison, both of whom are notable for their work in global health

Provides a solid foundation in migration and health, suitable for students new to the discipline

Examines policy instruments addressing migration, which is highly relevant in the current global context of increasing migration flows

Week-long modules make this course attainable for busy professionals

Requires basic familiarity with global health concepts

Career center

Learners who complete Migration and health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Migration and health patterns can indicate important trends about population health. Epidemiologists work to investigate health outcomes within populations, analyze data concerning health conditions, and determine what factors influence the spread of diseases. Understanding how migration works can provide opportunities for Epidemiologists to find new ways to track, analyze, and contain the spread of diseases.

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Public Health Physician

Public Health Physicians work to improve the health of communities and populations. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies and non-profit organizations using their understanding of migration to develop policies and programs that improve the health of migrants.

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Medical Anthropologist

Medical Anthropologists work with diverse populations to understand how culture, society, and health interact. They work in a variety of settings and use their research skills to promote the health of individuals and communities. Migration and health are inextricably linked, and Medical Anthropologists may use their skills to find ways to improve healthcare outcomes for migrants.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants work with patients under the supervision of a physician. They provide healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. Roles focused on migrant health are in high demand.

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Health Communication Specialist

Health Communication Specialists promote health and healthy behaviors by creating and delivering health messages that are clear and effective. Migration can introduce language and cultural barriers. Being able to communicate health information in a culturally sensitive way would be valuable for those interested in this career.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They work in a variety of fields, including health, business, and government, with many working on health disparities including those that affect migrants and refuges.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people who are facing social, emotional, and economic challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers and often work closely with migrants and refugees to help them access healthcare and other services.

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Health Educator

Health Educators are responsible for improving the health of communities and individuals in a variety of settings. They do this through developing, implementing, and evaluating health education programs. Migration and health go hand-in-hand, which makes a background in the latter valuable for those interested in a career as a Health Educator.

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Global Health Analyst

Global Health Analysts apply learnings from public health to improve overall global health. They work to introduce impactful health policies to under-represented communities, especially those with high rates of migrants. Migration and health often work hand-in-hand, and having a deeper understanding of each will support a successful career.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge and develop new technologies. They work in a variety of fields, including health, environment, and energy, with many focusing on the health of migrant populations.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists work to protect human health from environmental hazards. They research environmental hazards, develop regulations to protect human health, and work with communities to reduce environmental health risks. Climate change and environmental health disproportionately affects migrants and refugees.

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Health Education Specialist

Health Education Specialists provide education and resources to help people make healthy choices. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and workplaces, and many work as part of larger campaigns to provide culturally sensitive health information to migrants.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people who have physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities to live independently and to participate in everyday activities. Migration can often lead to healthcare disparities, and can make accessing occupational therapy difficult for migrants and refugees. Specialized knowledge in addressing these disparities would be beneficial.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide direct patient care and are one of the largest healthcare professions. They work in many settings including hospitals, schools, homes, and community health centers and many RNs choose to work with immigrant & refugee populations using their in-depth understanding of their unique needs and challenges.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts recommend policies that will enhance public health on a nationwide scale. Working as a Health Policy Analyst includes reviewing health research, advising on policy, and researching health policy to determine the most effective ways to improve healthcare.

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Migration and health

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