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Olakunle Alonge, Anna Kalbarczyk, and Svea Closser

- Build alliances in global health using polio eradication as a case study

- Discuss the value of and best practices for building alliances in global health

- Apply communication and community engagement strategies to disease control program

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- Build alliances in global health using polio eradication as a case study

- Discuss the value of and best practices for building alliances in global health

- Apply communication and community engagement strategies to disease control program

This hands-on course will prepare you to overcome the challenges associated with alliance building within the global health sector. Using The Global Polio Eradication Initiative as a case study, you’ll address the themes of political advocacy, policymaking, health communications, and community engagement, and explore the politics and interpersonal relations required to build a global health program. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is an exemplar of global partnerships between UN agencies, the private sector, non-governmental actors, civil society organizations, and local communities.

You’ll learn about the wide variety of stakeholders present throughout the policy and planning processes, and will also get an insight into the challenges that can sometimes occur due to resistance, opposition, and even hostility.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Case Study: Polio Eradication Basics
In this module, we will begin with an overview of the course. To consider strategies for global disease eradication, as a case study, we will cover the basics of poliovirus and polio eradication — the reason that we are doing this is that choosing eradication, rather than control, as a strategy had deep impacts on the way global and community partnerships have played out in the polio program. It's important to understand how the characteristics of a disease, and the strategy chosen to address it, affect everything from global partnerships to local communication strategies. This information will be particularly useful in the coming weeks as we begin to understand how the global initiative came together.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops global health alliance building skills using the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as a case study, which is relevant in industry
Taught by recognized instructors Anna Kalbarczyk, Olakunle Alonge, Svea Closser who have done work in Global Health
Provides knowledge of building alliances in global health and best practices, which is useful for personal growth and development
Offers access to a multi-modal learning experience, including videos, readings, and discussions
Requires students to come in with extensive background knowledge first, which may be a barrier for some

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Reviews summary

Building global health alliances: polio case study

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and incredibly insightful exploration of alliance building in global health, leveraging the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as an excellent case study. Learners found it provided practical tools and strategies for political advocacy, policymaking, and community engagement in real-world scenarios. The instructors are highlighted as knowledgeable, presenting clear material. While overwhelmingly positive, some feedback suggested opportunities for more interactive discussions and diverse regional perspectives in the readings, indicating areas for potential enhancement.
Offers deep insights into global health policy and communication.
"This comprehensive and very valuable course taught me how to build alliances effectively."
"I found this course to be incredibly insightful, particularly regarding the complexities of political advocacy and community engagement."
"It provided a solid foundation in understanding global health alliances and stakeholder relationships."
Provides practical tools and strategies for real-world scenarios.
"The modules on policy engagement and health communications were particularly strong, offering practical tools and strategies."
"I gained insights into the complexities of political advocacy and community engagement, with practical tools provided."
"This course helped me understand how to build alliances in real-world situations, providing concrete examples."
The course effectively uses the polio eradication case study for deep learning.
"The case study approach was excellent, providing concrete examples of successful strategies and challenges."
"The polio eradication case study was a central and illuminating feature for understanding global health alliances."
"I learned not only about the GPEI but also how to build alliances in real-world situations effectively, thanks to the case study."
Content could benefit from more varied regional viewpoints.
"The readings were good, but I sometimes wished for more diverse perspectives from different regions or organizations."
Some learners wished for more interactive discussions.
"I felt that some areas could have benefited from more interactive discussions or real-time Q&A sessions..."
"...especially given the dynamic nature of alliance building, I wished for more engagement formats."

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 Building Alliances in Global Health: From Global to Local with these activities:
Review Literature on Disease Control Strategies
Reviewing the literature on disease control strategies will enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles and approaches used in global health.
Browse courses on Global Health
Show steps
  • Identify and gather relevant articles from academic databases
  • Read and summarize key concepts and findings
  • Make notes and create a knowledge map of the different strategies
Read 'The Global Eradication of Smallpox' by D.A. Henderson
Reading this seminal work will provide valuable insights into the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned from another successful global disease eradication campaign.
Show steps
Discuss Policymaking and Influence in Global Health
Engaging in discussions with peers will foster critical thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between policy and global health.
Browse courses on Policymaking
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group or peer discussion forum
  • Prepare for discussions by reviewing course materials and conducting research
  • Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and perspectives
  • Consider different viewpoints and engage in respectful dialogue
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a Communication Strategy
Following a structured guide to develop a communication strategy will equip you with practical skills and knowledge for effective health communications in global health.
Browse courses on Health Communications
Show steps
  • Explore online tutorials or workshops on communication strategy development
  • Identify the target audience, objectives, and key messages
  • Develop a detailed plan outlining the communication channels and tactics
  • Create materials and implement the communication strategy
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy and make adjustments as needed
Attend a Workshop on Vaccine Derived Polioviruses
Attending a workshop dedicated to vaccine derived polioviruses will enhance your understanding of this critical challenge in global polio eradication efforts.
Browse courses on Polio Eradication
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop or symposium
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
  • Take detailed notes and engage with experts in the field
  • Reflect on the information and insights gained
Design a Community Engagement Campaign
Designing and implementing a community engagement campaign will provide hands-on experience in developing and executing community-based health promotion initiatives.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Identify a specific community health issue or need
  • Conduct a needs assessment and gather input from community members
  • Develop a comprehensive engagement plan outlining goals, activities, and evaluation strategies
  • Implement the campaign, including outreach, education, and resource provision
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of the campaign and make adjustments as needed
Volunteer at a Local Public Health Organization
Volunteering at a public health organization will provide practical experience in various aspects of public health, including disease prevention and health promotion.
Browse courses on Public Health
Show steps
  • Identify and contact local public health organizations
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities that align with your interests
  • Attend orientation and training sessions
  • Fulfill your volunteer role and actively engage in activities
  • Reflect on your experience and identify key takeaways

Career center

Learners who complete Building Alliances in Global Health: From Global to Local will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the causes of health problems in populations and design strategies to prevent and control diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of epidemiology, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of epidemiologic studies, how to collect and analyze data, and how to interpret and communicate your findings. This course will also help you develop the skills needed to work effectively with other public health professionals to improve the health of communities.
Public Health Educator
Public health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of public health education, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of public health education programs, how to develop and evaluate educational materials, and how to work with diverse audiences to promote healthy behaviors.
Global Health Policy Analyst
Global health policy analysts develop and analyze policies to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of global health policy analysis, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of global health policies, how to analyze their impact, and how to advocate for effective policies.
Community Health Worker
Community health workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of community health work, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of community health programs, how to work with diverse populations, and how to promote healthy behaviors.
Program Manager
Program managers plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of public health program management, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of public health programs, how to develop and implement program plans, and how to evaluate program outcomes.
Health Communication Specialist
Health communication specialists develop and implement communication campaigns to promote health and prevent disease. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of health communication, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of health communication campaigns, how to develop and evaluate communication materials, and how to work with diverse audiences to promote healthy behaviors.
Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts develop and analyze policies to improve health outcomes in the United States. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of health policy analysis, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of health policies, how to analyze their impact, and how to advocate for effective policies.
Health Planner
Health planners plan, implement, and evaluate health programs and services. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of health planning, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of health planning, how to develop and implement health plans, and how to evaluate health outcomes.
International Health Consultant
International health consultants provide technical assistance to governments and organizations in low- and middle-income countries to help them improve their health systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of international health consulting, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of international health consulting projects, how to develop and implement consulting plans, and how to evaluate consulting outcomes.
Medical Anthropologist
Medical anthropologists study the social and cultural factors that influence health and illness. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of medical anthropology, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of medical anthropology research, how to conduct ethnographic research, and how to analyze and interpret your findings.
Health Economist
Health economists apply economic principles to analyze health care issues. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of health economics, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of health economic analyses, how to use economic models to analyze health care issues, and how to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of health interventions.
Health Services Researcher
Health services researchers study the organization, financing, and delivery of health care services. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of health services research, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of health services research, how to conduct health services research studies, and how to analyze and interpret your findings.
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system and how it protects the body from disease. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of immunology, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of immune cells, how they work together to protect the body, and how to develop new immunotherapies.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical research coordinators help to design, conduct, and manage clinical trials. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of clinical research coordination, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of clinical trials, how to develop and implement clinical trial protocols, and how to manage clinical trial data.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of data analysis, which are essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of data analysis techniques, how to use statistical software to analyze data, and how to interpret and communicate your findings.

Reading list

We've selected five 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 Building Alliances in Global Health: From Global to Local.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public health communication. It would provide background information for your course, particularly in the area of health communications.
Provides a case study of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It would provide background information for your course, particularly in the area of global health policy.
Provides an annual overview of the state of the world's children. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and successes of child health.
Provides an annual overview of the world's health. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and successes of global health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of health and human rights. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the ethical and legal challenges of global health.

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