Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective

An introductory-level course offered by HarvardX

Course Description

This comprehensive course explores how health professionals predict global disease patterns, determine appropriate health care interventions during epidemics, disasters, or armed conflicts, and addresses the challenges faced by health systems worldwide.

What Students Will Learn

  • The current state of knowledge in key areas of global health
  • Expert opinions on contemporary controversies and challenges in global health
  • How evidence is utilized for decision-making and priority-setting in global health
  • Understanding of global disease patterns and predictions
  • Insights into infectious and non-communicable diseases
  • Knowledge of health systems and institutional responses to global health issues

Prerequisites

This course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in global health. However, a basic understanding of biology and an interest in public health would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

  • Global disease patterns and predictions
  • Infectious diseases and their impact on global health
  • Non-communicable diseases and their global prevalence
  • Health systems and institutional responses to health challenges
  • Case studies on epidemics, disasters, and armed conflicts
  • Strategies for disease eradication (e.g., guinea worm and polio)
  • The global response to emerging health threats (e.g., Zika outbreak)
  • Evidence-based decision-making in global health
  • Current controversies and challenges in the field

Who This Course Is For

  • Students interested in pursuing a career in global health or public health
  • Health professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of global health issues
  • Policymakers and decision-makers in the health sector
  • Individuals passionate about understanding and addressing global health challenges
  • Anyone interested in learning about the latest developments and expert opinions in global health

Real-World Applications

  • Developing strategies for outbreak prevention and control
  • Designing and implementing health interventions in resource-limited settings
  • Forecasting and preparing for potential global health crises
  • Conducting research on global health issues and disease patterns
  • Advising on health policy and decision-making at local, national, or international levels
  • Contributing to efforts aimed at eradicating diseases globally
  • Improving health systems and addressing health challenges in diverse contexts
  • Enhancing communication and collaboration among global health professionals

Syllabus Overview

The course is structured around 18 reviews published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), co-edited by David Hunter and Harvey Fineberg. The course content includes:

  • Reading the NEJM reviews on various global health topics
  • Listening to interviews with the authors of these reviews
  • Engaging with course content through assessments and discussion questions
  • Examining case studies, including the global response to the Zika outbreak
  • Exploring current issues and challenges in global health
  • Analyzing disease patterns, predictions, and health systems