Introduction

Global health presents complex ethical challenges due to diverse healthcare systems, economic disparities, cultural differences, and resource limitations. Ethical decision-making in global health involves addressing equitable access to care, human rights, pandemic responses, research ethics, and international collaborations.

This five-day intensive training course explores the ethical principles, frameworks, and real-world case studies that shape global health policies and practices. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and problem-solving exercises to develop ethical leadership and decision-making skills in global health.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand ethical principles and frameworks in global health decision-making
• Analyze health inequities and social determinants of health from an ethical perspective
• Address ethical challenges in global health research, humanitarian aid, and public health policy
• Navigate cross-cultural and international ethical dilemmas in healthcare delivery
• Develop ethical leadership and advocacy strategies for global health initiatives
• Assess the impact of pandemic responses, vaccine distribution, and resource allocation on global health ethics
• Engage with international organizations, NGOs, and governments to promote ethical global health practices

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Healthcare professionals working in global health
• Public health officials and policymakers
• NGO and humanitarian aid workers
• Healthcare researchers and bioethicists
• Academics and students in global health, public health, and medical ethics
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals involved in global health research
• International development and human rights professionals

Course Outline

Day 1: Ethical Foundations of Global Health

Introduction to Global Health Ethics

• Core ethical principles in global health (autonomy, justice, beneficence, non-maleficence)
• The role of international human rights in health
• Ethical frameworks for decision-making in global health
• Case study: The global response to the Ebola outbreak – Ethical dilemmas in emergency health responses

Health Equity and Justice in Global Health

• Addressing health inequities and social determinants of health
• Ethical concerns in unequal access to healthcare services
• The ethics of healthcare funding and foreign aid in low-resource settings
• Case study: Ethical challenges in distributing essential medicines in low-income countries

Workshop: Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health Leadership

• Participants will analyze real-world ethical dilemmas and propose solutions

Day 2: Research Ethics and Global Health Initiatives

Ethics of Global Health Research and Clinical Trials

• Informed consent in cross-cultural and low-resource settings
• Ethical challenges in conducting clinical trials in developing countries
• Addressing exploitation and power imbalances in research
• Case study: Controversies in HIV vaccine trials in Africa

Public-Private Partnerships and Ethical Considerations

• The role of pharmaceutical companies in global health
• Ethical concerns in corporate influence on healthcare policies
• Case study: Pricing strategies for life-saving drugs—Profit vs. Public Health

Workshop: Designing an Ethical Global Health Research Project

• Participants will develop an ethical research proposal for a global health initiative

Day 3: Humanitarian Aid and Ethical Challenges in Emergencies

Ethics of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response

• Ethical priorities in disaster relief and crisis healthcare
• The role of international NGOs and ethical dilemmas in aid distribution
• Addressing cultural and political challenges in providing humanitarian healthcare
• Case study: Ethical concerns in refugee healthcare in conflict zones

Ethical Considerations in Pandemic Responses

• Balancing public health vs. individual rights during pandemics
• Ethical distribution of vaccines and medical resources
• Global governance and equity in pandemic preparedness
• Case study: COVID-19 vaccine distribution—Who gets the first dose?

Workshop: Crisis Ethics Simulation

• Participants will engage in a simulation of an ethical decision-making process in a health crisis

Day 4: Global Health Policy and Ethical Leadership

Ethical Decision-Making in Health Policy

• The role of WHO, UN, and international organizations in setting ethical global health policies
• Ethical issues in universal healthcare and access to essential medicines
• Power dynamics in global health diplomacy and negotiations
• Case study: The TRIPS agreement and global access to generic medicines

Cultural Competency and Ethics in Global Health Leadership

• The impact of cultural beliefs on healthcare decision-making
• Navigating ethical conflicts in cross-cultural healthcare settings
• Ethical leadership in health advocacy and policymaking
• Case study: Navigating cultural sensitivities in reproductive health programs

Workshop: Ethical Policy Advocacy Strategy

• Participants will create an ethical policy advocacy plan for a global health issue

Day 5: The Future of Ethics in Global Health

Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Global Health

• Ethical concerns in AI, big data, and digital health initiatives
• Addressing bias in global health data collection and AI-driven decisions
• The potential and risks of genetic research and biotechnology in global health
• Case study: The ethics of AI-driven healthcare in underserved populations

Sustainable and Equitable Global Health Strategies

• Ethical implications of climate change and environmental health policies
• Long-term strategies for sustainable and equitable global health interventions
• Ethical accountability in global health partnerships and funding
• Case study: Ethical dilemmas in sustainable healthcare development projects

Final Project: Ethical Strategy Presentation

• Participants will develop and present an ethical strategy for a real-world global health challenge
• Expert panel feedback and discussion

Closing Session and Certification

• Key takeaways and best practices in global health ethics
• Awarding of Certification of Completion