For students attending the course An Introduction to Global Health, 4GB000 course code 4GB000
This course provides an introduction to the key concepts and history of global health, as a foundation for more in-depth study within the Master's programme. The course introduces perspectives that challenge traditional approaches, particularly from the perspective of decolonialisation. It explores the connection between global health and public health, and introduces the role of systems-thinking, human rights, and gender. The course also introduces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Syllabus
Students will examine how health issues evolve as countries develop, often referred to as epidemiological transitions, and why the burden of disease can differ significantly between low- and high-income regions. For example, infectious diseases such as malaria remain a critical concern in many low-resource setttings while non-communicable diseases such as diabetes are more prevalent in high-resource settings. The course also considers issues of equality and equity, as well as the social factors that shape health outcomes, such as income, education, and environment.
Additionally, the course highlights the importance of intercultural competence in global health. For instance, understanding local cultural practices is key when designing health interventions, such as ensuring community acceptance of vaccines or maternal health programmes. The course also discusses ethical challenges, such as when clinical trials in low-income regions may lead to unequal access to treatments after the research ends. These discussions help students critically engage with foundational concepts of global health.
Schedule
Will be published 2 weeks before course starts.
Course evaluation and course analysis
Course evaluation and course analysis will be published one month after the end of course.
Contact information
Martin Gerdin Wärnberg
Program directorCarla Sturm
Study counsellorEducational administrator
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