Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations from Coursera

Welcome to the MOOC "Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations".

We are very excited to have you on board and hope you will enjoy the course!

In the coming 6 weeks, you will learn about the International Health Regulations (IHR), history of its creation and evolution, its major principles and implementation procedures, as well as challenges and future opportunities. We will talk about lessons learned from the previous epidemics and environmental disasters, and discuss possible future health threats and ways to respond to them in an efficient and timely manner. The goal of this MOOC is not only to promote knowledge on the IHR among the general public but also to help international health practitioners advance its implementation, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Our MOOC «Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations» is highly transdisciplinary and involves prominent experts from more than 15 leading institutions worldwide, including academia, international organizations, and local governments. Along with traditional e-learning resources, it gives access to a highly innovative teaching tool - virtual Simulator IHR 3.0 - a serious game where you can practice managing health crises from different perspectives. No matter which country you come from, this MOOC is free and open for anyone interested in learning more about such a powerful legal mechanism as the IHR.

Every week, you will get access to a new Module which includes a series of video lectures, accompanied by a list of recommended readings to deepen your knowledge on the proposed topic. Every module will have a number of practice exercises, such as in-video questions and practice quizzes based on the video lectures and readings, and a graded quiz to sum up everything that you've learned. At the end of the course, you will be asked to take a graded final quiz that you will need to complete (as well as each Module's graded quizzes) in order to pass the course and earn a Certificate if you chose this option at enrolment.

We encourage you to use Discussion Prompts and forums to discuss the course material with fellow students enrolled in the MOOC. You can greatly contribute to the learning process by posting your questions, commenting, or sharing your personal experiences and examples from your countries.

This MOOC was produced jointly by the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Centre Virchow-Villermé for Public Health Paris-Berlin, Université Paris Descartes (France) and ANEO in close collaboration with the World Health Organization Headquarters (Geneva, Switzerland) and WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (Cairo, Egypt), with the financial aid of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (France), UNIGE and WHO.

We wish you good luck with the MOOC and look forward to seeing you in our learning community!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and course outline

The main objective of this Module is to explore the reasons behind the creation of this MOOC, its structure and the main topics covered. Using several real-world examples this Module introduces the main facets of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and controversies around it, and also presents the factors that motivated the countries to come together for the first time to discuss the issues of international public health, and the resulting documents that would later give birth to the first ever IHR.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced public health knowledge and skills for managing and respond to health security threats, emergencies, and events in an interdisciplinary and multifaceted approach

Features expert instructors from leading institutions, organizations, and agencies, including the World Health Organization, University of Geneva, ANEO, and Centre Virchow-Villermé for Public Health Paris-Berlin

Provides a comprehensive overview of the International Health Regulations (IHR), its history, principles, implementation, and challenges

Includes a transdisciplinary approach, involving perspectives from academia, international organizations, and local governments

Emphasizes intersectoral collaboration, exploring the linkages between human health, animal health, mobility, trade, and national security in the context of the IHR

Offers a valuable learning experience for international health practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in global health security

Reviews summary

Comprehensive ihr overview with innovative simulator

According to learners, this course provides a solid understanding of the International Health Regulations (IHR), covering its history, principles, and implementation challenges comprehensively. Many highlight the expert lectures as insightful and credible. The content is described as highly relevant and timely, especially given current global health challenges. A standout feature frequently praised is the innovative virtual simulator, described as a unique and practical tool that makes learning engaging and helps understand implementation. While the overall sentiment is largely positive, a few students found some lectures occasionally dry or theoretical, and some encountered issues finding the simulator confusing to use or slightly buggy. The provided readings are extensive and seen as useful for deepening understanding.

Supplementary readings are provided for depth.

"The accompanying readings were very helpful for deeper understanding."

"The readings provided were quite extensive, requiring time."

"Readings are useful for supplementing the lectures effectively."

"Readings are extensive but ultimately very useful for the topic."

Content is current and highly applicable.

"Content is relevant and well-structured for current events."

"Excellent and timely course given current global health challenges."

"The content is highly relevant to my work in public health."

Lectures from prominent global experts provide credibility.

"The expert lectures are insightful and really informative."

"Experts provide great context and real-world perspective."

"Expert speakers add significant credibility to the material."

"Experts share valuable real-world experience in global health."

Covers IHR history, principles, and challenges in depth.

"Excellent course covering IHR comprehensively."

"Solid overview of IHR. Content is relevant and well-structured."

"The depth of coverage on different IHR aspects is impressive."

"Provides a solid understanding of the IHR regulations."

"The blend of history, principles, and challenges is effective and clear."

Innovative interactive learning tool adds value.

"The virtual simulator was a unique and practical tool."

"The simulator is a game-changer for understanding implementation."

"Simulator is an amazing interactive tool."

"The simulator offers a unique perspective on crisis management."

"The simulator is interesting, though sometimes buggy."

"The simulator was confusing to use to navigate at times."

Some found lectures theoretical or the pace rushed.

"Expected more practical application. Lectures were too theoretical at times."

"Found some parts a bit dense and academic in nature."

"Decent course, but the pace felt rushed in some modules."

"some lectures felt a bit dry compared to others in the course."

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 Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations with these activities:

Review key concepts and theories in International Health Security, Solidarity, and Sustainability

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Enhance your knowledge and understanding of the foundational principles and concepts of International Health Regulations, preparing you for the course content.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Revisit materials from previous courses in public health or related fields.
Read introductory articles and publications on International Health Regulations and global health security.
Watch videos or documentaries that provide an overview of the topic.

Review the book 'The International Health Regulations: A Guide for National Focal Points'

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Delve into a comprehensive resource on the IHR, gaining a deeper understanding of its provisions and implementation.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points.
Analyze the book's structure and organization, identifying the main themes and arguments presented.
Reflect on how the book's content relates to the course material and your own experiences or knowledge in the field.

Compile resources on International Health Security

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Organize and curate relevant materials, enhancing your understanding and providing easy access to information throughout the course.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Identify and collect articles, websites, and other resources on various aspects of International Health Regulations.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topics or themes.
Create a digital or physical compilation for easy reference.

Four other activities

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Develop a hypothetical emergency response plan based on the IHR

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Apply your understanding of the IHR to a practical scenario, enhancing your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Identify a specific health emergency scenario, such as an infectious disease outbreak or natural disaster.
Research the relevant IHR provisions and guidelines.
Develop a hypothetical emergency response plan that outlines the steps and measures to be taken in accordance with the IHR.
Share your plan with peers or instructors for feedback and evaluation.

Create an infographic or presentation on a key aspect of the IHR

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Translate your understanding of the IHR into a visual or interactive format, reinforcing your knowledge and enhancing your ability to communicate complex concepts.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Choose a specific aspect or provision of the IHR to focus on.
Gather relevant information and data from credible sources.
Design and develop an infographic or presentation using visually appealing and accessible language.
Share your infographic or presentation with others for feedback and dissemination.

Mentor or tutor other students on the IHR

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Solidify your understanding by sharing your knowledge and assisting others, reinforcing your own learning and fostering a sense of community.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Offer your support to fellow students who may need guidance or clarification on the IHR.
Answer questions, provide explanations, and share your insights based on your own learning and research.
Collaborate on projects or assignments, providing feedback and encouragement to others.

Create a blog post or article on a current event related to International Health Security

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Engage with real-world events, apply your knowledge of the IHR, and develop your written communication skills.

Browse courses on International Health Regulations

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Identify a current event or issue that relates to International Health Security.
Research the event, gathering information from credible sources and analyzing the relevant aspects of the IHR.
Write a well-structured blog post or article that presents your findings, insights, and perspectives on the event.
Share your blog post or article on appropriate platforms, engaging in discussions and seeking feedback from others.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists research the distribution and patterns of disease, with the aim of reducing disease occurrence by identifying risk factors and proposing prevention and control strategies. This MOOC will help Epidemiologists understand the legal and procedural frameworks for international public health, and how they can be used to prevent and control the spread of disease across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Physician

Public Health Physicians serve communities by addressing the health of the population as a whole, working to protect and improve the health of communities through public health policies and programs. This MOOC will help Public Health Physicians understand the legal and procedural frameworks for international public health, and how they can be used to protect and improve the health of communities around the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Physician

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues, and make recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders. This MOOC will help Health Policy Analysts understand how the International Health Regulations provide a framework for international public health policy, and how they can be used to develop and implement effective health policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

International Health Specialist

International Health Specialists work to improve the health of populations around the world, by providing technical assistance to governments and other organizations, and by working to strengthen health systems. This MOOC will help International Health Specialists understand the legal and procedural frameworks for international public health, and how they can be used to effectively improve the health of populations around the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Health Specialist

Health Program Manager

Health Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate health programs, with the aim of improving the health of populations. This MOOC will help Health Program Managers understand the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to develop and implement effective health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Program Manager

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work to promote and protect the health of communities, by providing a range of services including health education, immunization, and disease prevention. This MOOC will help Public Health Nurses understand the legal and procedural frameworks for international public health, and how they can be used to protect and improve the health of communities around the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians perform laboratory tests and procedures, and analyze the results, to help diagnose and treat diseases. This MOOC may be useful for Laboratory Technicians who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to prevent and control the spread of disease across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists research the effects of the environment on human health, and develop and implement policies and programs to protect human health from environmental hazards. This MOOC may be useful for Environmental Health Scientists who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to protect human health from environmental hazards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement health education programs, with the aim of improving the health of populations. This MOOC may be useful for Health Educators who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to develop and implement effective health education programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide health education and services to communities, with the aim of improving the health of populations. This MOOC may be useful for Community Health Workers who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to improve the health of communities around the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Health Journalist

Health Journalists report on health issues for the public, with the aim of informing and educating the public about health issues. This MOOC may be useful for Health Journalists who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to prevent and control the spread of disease across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Journalist

Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals, and work to protect animal health and public health. This MOOC may be useful for Veterinarians who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to prevent and control the spread of disease across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on medication use, with the aim of improving the health of patients. This MOOC may be useful for Pharmacists who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to prevent and control the spread of disease across borders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with social and emotional problems, and work to improve the well-being of individuals and families. This MOOC may be useful for Social Workers who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to improve the health of communities around the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Health Administrator

Health Administrators plan, organize, and manage health care services, with the aim of improving the health of populations. This MOOC may be useful for Health Administrators who want to learn more about the International Health Regulations, and how they can be used to develop and implement effective health policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Administrator