IDSB04H3

Introduction to International/Global Health

This course offers an introduction to the political, institutional, social, economic, epidemiological, and ideological forces in the field of international/global health. While considerable reference will be made to “high-income” countries, major emphasis will be placed on the health conditions of “low- and middle-income” countries – and their interaction with the development “aid” milieu. After setting the historical and political economy context, the course explores key topics and themes in global health including: international/global health agencies and activities; data on health; epidemiology and the global distribution of health and disease; the societal determinants of health and health equity; health economics and the organization of health care systems in comparative perspective; globalization, trade, work, and health; health humanitarianism in the context of crisis, health and the environment; the ingredients of healthy societies across the world; and social justice approaches to global health.