Introduction

In an interconnected world, the challenges of global health have never been more complex. From emerging infectious diseases to the impact of climate change on health, and the quest for equitable access to healthcare, global health policy plays a crucial role in shaping health outcomes worldwide. This five-day training course is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of global health policy, its frameworks, and how it is developed, implemented, and evaluated at the international level. Through lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises, participants will explore the key global health issues, policy responses, and governance structures that influence health systems across nations.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the development of effective global health policies that address both short-term needs and long-term challenges.

Course Objectives

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

• Understand the fundamental principles of global health policy and how it shapes healthcare systems worldwide
• Analyze the role of international organizations (e.g., WHO, UN, World Bank) in global health governance
• Evaluate global health issues such as infectious diseases, health equity, climate change, and healthcare access
• Assess the role of health diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, and policy advocacy in global health policy development
• Develop strategies to address health disparities and promote global health equity
• Apply a systems thinking approach to understanding the interconnectedness of global health issues
• Analyze the influence of global health policies on national health systems and local health outcomes
• Explore the role of global health financing, sustainable funding models, and international partnerships in shaping health outcomes
• Develop practical skills in policy formulation, evaluation, and advocacy for global health

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Global health policymakers, government officials, and international development professionals
• Public health professionals working in global health or international health organizations
• Healthcare managers and administrators involved in the design or implementation of global health initiatives
• NGOs and advocacy groups focused on international health and health equity
• Researchers and academics interested in global health policy, international health systems, and health economics
• Health economists and financiers with a focus on global health funding
• International law professionals working on health-related policy issues
• Human rights advocates focused on access to healthcare and global health equity
• Journalists and media professionals covering global health issues
• Students and early-career professionals interested in global health and international development

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Global Health Policy

Overview of Global Health Policy

• The evolution of global health and the role of policy in shaping health outcomes worldwide
• Key principles of global health governance and the role of international organizations (e.g., WHO, UN, World Bank)
• The global health system and the role of national governments in implementing global health policies
• The global burden of disease and major health challenges
• Case study: The response to Ebola outbreaks and lessons learned

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health

• Understanding health equity and the global disparities in health access and outcomes
• The role of social determinants of health in global health policy
• Strategies to address health disparities and improve equitable healthcare access
• Case study: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives and their impact on global health equity

Global Health Policy Frameworks

• Overview of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)
• The role of multilateral agreements in shaping health policy across countries
• Key policy frameworks: SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being) and the Global Health Agenda
• Case study: The role of global partnerships in achieving health-related SDGs

Workshop: Mapping the Global Health Landscape

• Participants will map key global health issues and actors in global health policy
• Identify policy gaps and areas for collaboration

Day 2: Global Health Challenges and Policy Responses

Infectious Disease Control and Prevention

• The global response to infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, malaria)
• Policy approaches to pandemic preparedness, vaccine development, and global health security
• The role of international organizations in coordinating responses
• Case study: The COVID-19 pandemic response and the impact on global health policy

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Global Health

• The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer)
• Global policy responses to prevent and manage NCDs
• The role of lifestyle interventions, health promotion, and policy advocacy
• Case study: Global tobacco control policies and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

Climate Change and Health

• The impact of climate change on global health and the need for climate-resilient health systems
• Global health policy frameworks addressing climate-related health risks
• Strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation in healthcare
• Case study: The impact of air pollution on respiratory health and policy responses

Workshop: Addressing Global Health Challenges

• Participants will identify key global health challenges and propose policy solutions
• Group discussions on the role of international collaboration in addressing these challenges

Day 3: Global Health Financing and Policy Implementation

Health Financing in Global Health

• Overview of global health financing and key funding mechanisms (e.g., Global Fund, GAVI, World Bank programs)
• The role of international development aid, private sector investment, and public-private partnerships
• The challenge of sustainable financing for global health
• Case study: The financing of global vaccination campaigns

Global Health Policy Implementation

• Translating global health policies into national and local action
• The challenges of policy adaptation and implementation in diverse global contexts
• The role of national governments, local health systems, and NGOs in policy delivery
• Case study: Global malaria control efforts and country-level adaptation

Health Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiations

• The role of health diplomacy in shaping global health policy decisions
• Negotiating international agreements on health-related issues
• Building international coalitions for global health action
• Case study: The Paris Agreement on climate change and its health implications

Workshop: Designing Global Health Financing Models

• Participants will work in teams to design sustainable health financing models for a global health challenge

Day 4: Global Health Systems and Policy Evaluation

Global Health Systems and Governance

• The relationship between global health policy and national health systems
• The role of health systems strengthening in global health development
• The importance of health system resilience in responding to global health challenges
• Case study: Health system strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa

Monitoring and Evaluating Global Health Policies

• Tools and methods for monitoring and evaluating global health policies and programs
• The role of data and health indicators in policy evaluation
• Assessing the impact of global health initiatives and identifying areas for improvement
• Case study: Global monitoring of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment

Global Health Policy Advocacy

• The role of advocacy in influencing global health policy decisions
• Engaging stakeholders and building coalitions for policy change
• The role of media and public opinion in advancing global health agendas
• Case study: Advocacy for global mental health

Workshop: Developing a Global Health Advocacy Strategy

• Participants will develop an advocacy plan for promoting a global health issue

Day 5: Future Directions in Global Health Policy

Emerging Trends in Global Health

• The impact of digital health, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence on global health policy
• The future of global health governance in an era of technological innovation
• The role of global health ethics in shaping future policy decisions
• Case study: The role of digital health solutions in addressing global health challenges

Global Health Leadership and Collaboration

• Developing leadership skills for global health policy and international collaboration
• The importance of cross-sector partnerships in achieving global health goals
• Building leadership in the international health community
• Case study: Global partnerships for the elimination of polio

Closing Session and Certification

• Summary of key takeaways from the course
• Discussion on personal action plans for applying course learnings to participants’ work
• Awarding of Certification of Completion