Global Public Health from edX

What are the effects of a healthy individual on the world around them? Beyond the hereditary connections between parents and children or the implications of communicable diseases, public health has intrinsic value as a basic human right. Furthermore, health and the three pillars of sustainable development i.e. economic, social and environmental well-being, are intrinsically connected.

Global Public Health, is a course taught by experts from the Public Health Foundation of India. It explores the institutions, infrastructure, and the interplay of actors that constitute health not only in local communities but also on a global scale. In this course, you’ll discover how health is influenced by the environment, food systems, energy security, transport, trade, and human migration.

You’ll also learn health’s positive influence on other sectors, with investments in health shown to have a positive impact on economic development. Finally, this course will illuminate how health impacts and is essential to achieving poverty reduction, gender empowerment, universal education, conflict resolution, and other Sustainable Development Goals.

This course is for:

Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying public health, international development, public policy, nursing and medicine and other fields who are interested in the key concepts and practices in global public health
Healthcare professionals and other practitioners who want to understand their work within the broader context of international policy and the concept of sustainable development
Sustainable development practitioners who want to understand the lifecycle of needs and support necessary to improve health globally, including those who work for international aid organizations and nonprofits in the realms of healthcare, poverty, and nutrition

What's inside

Learning objectives

Our planet's demographic andepidemiological transitions
Current and future trends in public health - including non-communicable diseases

How our collective wellness has been impacted by globe-spanning factors over the years
The infrastructure and institutions that have shaped the healthcare industry

Our planet's demographic andepidemiological transitions
Current and future trends in public health - including non-communicable diseases
How our collective wellness has been impacted by globe-spanning factors over the years
The infrastructure and institutions that have shaped the healthcare industry

Syllabus

1: Introduction to Public Health

2: Trends in Public Health

3: Infectious Diseases

4: Maternal and Child Health

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the role of public health in promoting sustainable development

Examines the complex interconnections between health, economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental preservation

Taught by renowned experts from the Public Health Foundation of India, providing learners with access to cutting-edge knowledge and insights from the field

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the global public health landscape, addressing pressing issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and environmental health

Suitable for learners with diverse backgrounds, including public health professionals, healthcare practitioners, sustainable development practitioners, and graduate students in related fields

Requires prior knowledge of public health concepts and practices

Reviews summary

Overview of global public health

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Global Public Health, covering key concepts like epidemiological transitions, health systems, and the link to sustainable development. Students appreciate the comprehensive overview provided across various topics. Many find the content informative and well-structured, making it suitable for both beginners and those seeking a broad understanding. While generally well-received, some note that the course provides more of a high-level introduction and may lack in-depth exploration on certain complex issues, requiring further study for specialization.

Great starting point for new learners.

"Excellent course for starters and anyone who wants to improve their understanding of Public Health in general."

"Good course for beginners needing an introduction to the topic."

"As a beginner, I found the explanations clear and easy to follow."

"Perfect starting point for those new to global health concepts."

Strong link to Sustainable Development Goals.

"Really appreciated the focus on how public health connects with the Sustainable Development Goals."

"The integration of SDGs throughout the course was very relevant."

"Understanding health's role in sustainable development was a key takeaway for me."

"Highlights the importance of public health for achieving global goals."

Content is rich and valuable.

"The content is very informative and helpful for anyone interested in global health."

"Provided extremely valuable information in current Global Health Topics."

"Found the information presented very useful for my work."

"Rich contents and well-organized."

Provides a broad introduction to the field.

"It gives a broad overview of the global public health problems and how they interact with our sustainable development goals."

"A good introduction covering a lot of ground in public health."

"The course provided a high level overview of the issues in global public health."

"Great overview of Global Public Health and its relation to SDG."

Lacks depth in certain areas.

"The course provides a good overview, but it's more of a high-level introduction rather than deep dive."

"Wish some topics were covered in more detail, felt a bit superficial."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex issues and specific interventions."

"I got a good overview but felt it didn't go deep enough for professionals already in the field."

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 Public Health with these activities:

Read 'Health and Sustainable Development' by WHO

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Reading this book will provide a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between health and sustainable development.

View Implementation playbook: delivering impact for... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book and take notes
Summarize the key concepts and findings
Discuss the book with peers or an instructor (optional)

Review World Health Organization data

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Reviewing data from the World Health Organization will help you build a foundational understanding of public health trends and issues.

Browse courses on World Health Organization

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Visit the World Health Organization website
Explore the data and statistics section
Focus on data related to your area of interest
Make notes or create a summary of your findings

Take online courses on public health policy

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Taking online courses will supplement your understanding of public health policy and decision-making.

Browse courses on Public Health Policy

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Identify reputable online platforms or universities
Enroll in courses that align with your interests
Actively participate in discussions
Complete assignments and quizzes

Five other activities

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Analyze case studies in public health

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Analyzing case studies will strengthen your ability to apply public health principles to real-world scenarios.

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Read and understand the case study
Identify the key public health issues and challenges
Propose solutions or interventions to address the issues
Discuss your findings with peers or an instructor (optional)

Volunteer at a local public health organization

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Volunteering will give you hands-on experience in public health and connect you with professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Identify local public health organizations
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer training
Participate in volunteer activities

Develop an infographic on a public health topic

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Creating an infographic will help you synthesize and communicate complex public health information in a clear and visually engaging way.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Choose a specific public health topic
Gather and organize relevant data and information
Design and create the infographic using appropriate visuals and text
Share your infographic online

Write a research paper on a global health issue

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Writing a research paper will demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough research and present your findings on a global health issue.

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Select a specific global health issue
Conduct a literature review
Design and conduct your own research (optional)
Write and revise your paper
Submit your paper to a peer-reviewed journal (optional)

Mentor or tutor students in public health

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Mentoring others will solidify your understanding of public health concepts and enhance your communication skills.

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Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor
Meet with your mentees or students regularly
Provide guidance and support
Share your knowledge and experience

Career center

Learners who complete Global Public Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists play a crucial role in improving public health by studying the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in populations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of public health concepts, including demographic and epidemiological transitions, which is essential for epidemiologists to effectively identify and address health issues within communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses serve as frontline healthcare providers and educators, promoting health and preventing diseases within communities. This course offers valuable insights into the multiple determinants of health and the impact of environmental and social factors on public health, empowering public health nurses to deliver effective interventions and advocate for health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Global Health Program Manager

Global health program managers oversee the implementation and evaluation of health programs in international settings. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of global public health challenges, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. It provides program managers with the knowledge and skills to design, manage, and evaluate effective health interventions in resource-limited environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Program Manager

Public Health Researcher

Public health researchers conduct studies to investigate health issues and inform public health policy and practice. This course provides a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, essential for public health researchers to design and conduct rigorous studies that contribute to the advancement of public health knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

International Development Specialist

International development specialists work to improve the health and well-being of populations in developing countries. This course provides a solid foundation in global public health challenges, health systems strengthening, and sustainable development. It equips international development specialists with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective health interventions in low-resource settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Health Economist

Health economists analyze the economic aspects of healthcare systems and health policies. This course provides a foundation in health systems financing, resource allocation, and the economics of health. It equips health economists with the knowledge and skills to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of health interventions and inform policy decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Health Educator

Health educators play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles within communities. This course offers insights into the social determinants of health and the impact of cultural and behavioral factors on health outcomes. It equips health educators with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective health education programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts play a vital role in shaping healthcare policies and programs. This course provides a solid foundation in public health principles, healthcare systems, and the political economy of health. It equips health policy analysts with the knowledge and skills to analyze health policies, assess their impact, and develop evidence-based recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Communications Specialist

Health communications specialists play a crucial role in disseminating health information and promoting health awareness. This course offers insights into the principles and practices of health communication, including message development, media relations, and social marketing. It equips health communications specialists with the skills to effectively communicate complex health information to diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Nonprofit Program Director

Nonprofit program directors oversee the implementation of health-related programs within nonprofit organizations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of public health principles, program management, and fundraising. It equips nonprofit program directors with the knowledge and skills to lead effective health initiatives and secure funding for their programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Director

Health Insurance Analyst

Health insurance analysts assess the financial health and performance of health insurance companies. This course provides insights into health insurance markets, risk management, and actuarial science. It equips health insurance analysts with the knowledge and skills to analyze health insurance data, develop pricing strategies, and inform policy decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Insurance Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban planners play a crucial role in creating healthy and sustainable communities. This course offers insights into the relationship between the built environment and health, including topics such as housing, transportation, and green spaces. It equips urban planners with the knowledge and skills to design and implement policies that promote public health and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants advise organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development, including the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of health. It equips sustainability consultants with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement sustainability strategies that contribute to public health and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the management of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and health systems. This course provides a solid foundation in health systems, healthcare finance, and leadership. It equips healthcare administrators with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage healthcare organizations and improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists focus on the relationship between environmental factors and human health. This course provides a solid understanding of the environment's impact on health, including climate change, disasters, and pollution. It equips environmental health scientists with the knowledge and skills to assess environmental health risks and develop strategies to protect public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist