Global Health Policy from Coursera

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Syllabus

Global Health Policy and Governance

There are four modules in this lecture series. We will start with key issues in current global health policy and governance. The year 2015 reminded political leaders and the public that people’s safety is a genuine challenge at a time of disease epidemics, terrorism, refugee and migration crises, and climate change among others. The recent Ebola virus outbreaks in west Africa exposed weaknesses in core global functions, such as the provision of global public goods, management of cross-boarder externalities and fostering of leadership and stewardship. This module describes major challenges and issues in global health policy and proposes actions in global health, in particular for Japan at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit.

Pandemics and Health Security Responses

In this module, we will explore the relationship between universal health coverage, disasters and pandemics. We will learn how to measure and understand the spread of infectious diseases, and how to respond to them. We will also consider the conditions necessary to ensure an effective and timely response to both infectious disease emergencies and disasters, and identify the common role that universal health coverage plays in preparing societies for these unexpected threats to human well-being.

Universal Health Coverage in the Context of Aging

In Module 3, we will introduce the basic concept of universal health coverage (UHC), some technical aspects of health financing, and methods for measuring and improving UHC systems. We will also discuss the challenges to UHC posed by aging and development, including for developing countries. Finally, we will explore policy solutions to aging, and look at new policies being used around the world to improve and strengthen UHC systems.

The Future of Japan's Health System: Sustaining Good Health with Equity at Low Cost

One of the central themes in today’s global health policy is the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). The recent Ebola crisis has indicated that not only responses, but preparedness is key to tackling health emergencies. There is a growing consensus that a set of low-cost, smart investments at country level has the potential to make a significant difference in building resilient health systems. Japan achieved UHC in 1961 at a time of rapid economic development, while the country was still relatively poor. Japan has achieved some of the best population health outcomes at relatively low cost with equity over half a century. However, Japan is facing a huge demographic and fiscal challenge to sustain its health system. In this module, we will review the historical context for Japan’s health system development, examine current challenges to its sustainability, and examine ongoing efforts to reform the system. The major objective is to share important lessons in current debates on global health policy and governance from Japan’s experiences.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops principles and theories of global health problems and major challenges, strengthening an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Examines global health issues such as pandemics, health coverage, and health systems, enhancing learners' understanding of the field

Taught by renowned instructors Hiroshi Nishiura, Stuart Gilmour, and Kenji Shibuya, recognized for their expertise in global health

Provides practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze global health issues, building skills relevant in the field

Covers universal health coverage in the context of aging, addressing a key challenge and expanding learners' understanding of health systems

Touches on the future of Japan's health system, offering insights into health system development and sustainability

Reviews summary

Helpful introduction to global health policy

Learners say this course provides a helpful introduction to global health policy, defining health as a measure of social integrity and a business that involves resource exchange.

Defines health as a business involving resource exchange

"On the economic level, health is a business."

"It involves trade or exchange of both material and immaterial resources..."

Provides helpful introduction to global health

"Reflection on the course material has enriched my understanding of the health concept..."

"On the community level, health is a metric of one's social integrity..."

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 Policy with these activities:

Participate in Peer Study Groups

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Engage with fellow students to share knowledge, discuss concepts, and enhance your understanding of course material.

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Join or create a study group with classmates
Set regular meeting times to discuss course topics
Prepare questions and discussion points in advance

Review Principles and Theories of Global Health

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Familiarize yourself with the basic principles and concepts of global health to set a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Global Health Policy

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Read key readings on global health principles and theories
Develop a list of key terms and definitions
Summarize key points in your own words

Solve Practice Problems on Global Health Policy

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Reinforce your understanding of global health policy concepts through practical problem-solving.

Browse courses on Health Governance

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Find practice problems and simulations related to course topics
Attempt to solve the problems using the concepts learned in class
Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Two other activities

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Read 'The End of Epidemics' by Jonathan Quick

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Expand your knowledge of global health challenges and strategies by reading a thought-provoking book on the topic.

View The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Identify connections between the book and the course material
Discuss the book and its implications with classmates or instructors

Volunteer with a Global Health Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to global health efforts by volunteering with an organization.

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Research and identify global health organizations that align with your interests
Apply to volunteer positions and provide your availability
Contribute your skills and knowledge to support the organization's mission

Career center

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

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts work with legislators, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to analyze public health issues, synthesize data, and develop policy recommendations. The Global Health Policy course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges, as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Economist

Health Economists apply economic principles to healthcare systems and policies to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. The course provides a strong foundation in the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges, as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease and injury in populations. The course delves into topics such as acute disease surveillance, pandemics, and health security responses, providing valuable knowledge for Epidemiologists working in global health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Global Health Program Manager

Global Health Program Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of global health programs. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of global health policy and governance, including health financing, human resources for health, and health systems strengthening, which are crucial for success in this role.

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

Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research to improve the health of populations. The course provides a strong foundation in the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges, as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Health Communications Specialist

Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. The course provides knowledge on health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health, which are essential for effectively communicating health messages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Health Policy Advisor

Health Policy Advisors provide advice and support to government officials and policymakers on health-related issues. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of global health policy and governance, including the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Advisor

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work with governments, non-profit organizations, and international agencies to improve the lives of people in developing countries. The course provides knowledge on global health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health, which are crucial for working in international development.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Nonprofit Program Director

Nonprofit Program Directors manage and oversee the implementation of programs for non-profit organizations. The course provides a strong foundation in the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges, as well as practical applications of quantitative methods to analyze and interpret issues and challenges for policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Director

Global Health Advocate

Global Health Advocates work to raise awareness and promote policies that improve global health. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of global health policy and governance, including the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Advocate

Health Insurance Analyst

Health Insurance Analysts evaluate and analyze health insurance policies and data to provide recommendations for improvements. The course may be useful in providing a foundational understanding of health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Insurance Analyst

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and support to healthcare organizations on a variety of issues. The course may be useful in providing a broad understanding of global health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant

Medical Writer

Medical Writers develop and write educational and marketing materials for the healthcare industry. The course may be useful in providing a foundational understanding of the principles and theories of global health problems and challenges, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers. The course may be useful in providing a basic understanding of global health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators manage and oversee clinical research studies. The course may be useful in providing a basic understanding of global health policy and governance, as well as the challenges and controversies in improving global population health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator