Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Global Problems in Public Health
Course Code
SVUEK_006
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine; Public and environmental health
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Public Health
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Sandra Dudareva
Structure Unit Manager
Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne
Structural Unit
Institute of Public Health
Contacts
Riga, 9 Kronvalda boulevard, svek@rsu.lv, +371 67338307
About Study Course
Objective
To develop understanding about the actualities in the field of global health, about the global context of various public health problems and about the international approach in solving these problems.
In frame of the study course the term and sector of global health will be analyzed; in-depth analysis will be carried out on five essential global health issues – urbanization, health of mother and child, injuries and violence, non-infectious diseases and infectious diseases.
Preliminary Knowledge
English, public health, epidemiology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Will be able to describe and present the history of the concept of globalization and its political, economic and social dimension. The basic types of health care systems, their most significant differences in different regions of the world, their impact on health will be clarified and contrasted. The basic functions of the most important international institutions in the field of global health and the principles and goals set in the international policy documents will be explained. Illustrate and talk about global health problems, their determinants and solutions.
Skills
1.The student will distinguish and explain the concept of globalization and its various aspects of public health. Calculate and interpret health indicators, make international comparisons, draw conclusions, prepare and present a report. Select and use key UN, World Health Organization, other UN specialized agencies (UNICEF, FAO, ILO) and European Union key documents in the field of global health, evaluate and apply international recommendations to regional and national contexts.
Competences
1.The student will be able to argue about globalization, incl. urbanization, climate change, inequalities, etc. various public health problems; to discuss and criticize the diversity and disparities of global health solutions in different regions; will be able to generalize, draw conclusions and convince of more effective solutions for achieving the international goals of global health by combining various indicators characterizing the situation.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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Searching for scientific literature, statistical data and international guidelines, analysis, interpretation and presentation of this information.
In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
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-
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• Attending lectures and classes;
• Participation in discussions during lectures and classes;
• An independent project on a selected global health problem was developed and presented as part of the study course.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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1
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Topics
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The use of the concept of globalization and the description of its various aspects. Key activities in public health, international health and global health. The essence of the concept of global health and industry. History of the development of the concept of globalization and its political, economic and social dimension
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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1
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Topics
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Global health problems and their determinants, as well as the main solutions. Basic types of health care systems, their main differences in different regions of the world, their potential impact on health
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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1
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Topics
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Key documents on global health from the UN, the World Health Organization, other UN specialized agencies (UNICEF, FAO, ILO) and the European Union
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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4
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Topics
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International institutions in the field of global health, their basic functions. Global health-related processes in the world as an international topic - urbanization, transnational migration, the flow of refugees and asylum seekers
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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1
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Topics
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UN Millennium Declaration, its main principles, goals and performance indicators
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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4
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Topics
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Global aspects of communicable disease transmission and control. Classical and emerging infections in a global context. COVID-19 pandemic, principles of its containment.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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4
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Topics
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Trends in the spread of non - communicable diseases in a global context. International comparison of health indicators; key measures to improve health
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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4
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Topics
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External causes of illness and death. Global aspects of injury and violence, risk groups, types and prevention approaches
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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4
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Topics
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Maternal and child health in a global perspective
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
McCracken K., Kevin D.R. Global health: an introduction to current and future trends. ASV & Kanāda, Routledge, 2012.
2.
Paul Farmer, Arthur Kleinman, Jim Kim, Matthew Basilico. Reimagining Global Health : An Introduction. University of California Press; 2013. Accessed August 25, 2020.
3.
Markle W.H., & Fisher M.A., & Smego R.A., Jr. (Eds.). Understanding Global Health. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill, 2014
Additional Reading
1.
Sebastian Taylor. Global health`: meaning what? BMJ Global Health, 2018; 3.
2.
The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, 2016-2030
3.
Cabral S.A., Soares de Moura A.T. Overview of the Global Health Issues Facing Children, Pediatrics. 2012, 129 (1):1-3
4.
WHO recommendations on child health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines. Review Committee, 2017
5.
WHO, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
6.
WHO Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
7.
Herring A., Swedlund A.C. Plagues and Epidemics: Infected Spaces Past and Present. Berg Publishers, 2010.
8.
Health Equity in a Globalizing Era: Past Challenges, Future Prospects. Ronald Labonté and Arne Rucker. Oxford University press, Print publication date: 2019
Other Information Sources
1.
WHO. Sustainable Development Goals
2.
WHO, Consolidated guideline on sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV. Executive summary, 2017
3.
UNAIDS, Global AIDS update, 2021
4.
World Health Statistics, 2020, WHO
5.
Global Tuberculosis report 2020, WHO
6.
Pasaules Bankas, PVO, UNICEF u.c. mājaslapas
7.
WHO, Global issues
8.
Levels and trends in child mortality report 2019.
9.
Mātes un bērna veselība, WHO
10.
WHO, Violence and injury prevention
11.
WHO, Chronic diseases
12.
WHO, Nutrition
13.
WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic