Global Health & Social Policies

Department

Master's Program International Health & Social Management

Course unit code

IHSM-EU-HEM-E2.1.2

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5.0

Name of lecturer(s)

Univ.-Prof DDr. Ludwig Sabine, MSc MA

Mode of delivery

-

Recommended optional program components

none

Recommended or required reading

The lecturers will provide a basic literature list. Beyond this list, students will need to engage in an independent literature survey for their essays and factsheets.The following book is recommended:
R, Kickbusch I, Ganten D, Moeti M (eds). Handbook of Global Health. The Editors and the World Health Organization 2021. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, Cham. Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45009-0

Additional information about examination modalities

Course-immanent examination and/or final exam (will be defined in the course book)

Level of course unit

Master

Year of study

Spring 2026

Semester when the course unit is delivered

2

Language of instruction

English

Learning outcomes of the course unit

- Students learn about key international actors and how they shape and influence health policies at national, regional, and global level.
- Students learn about the challenges of global health
- Students learn about diversity aspects in global health care, social inclusion and social justice and how this can be applied in research and interventions
- Students learn how to advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations globally

Course contents

Global Health – Main actors and challenges

The course will provide a general introduction to global health and the main actors. We will then discuss main challenges of global health such as pandemic preparedness, noncommunicable diseases, digitalization, the shortage of health care workers, climate change and health, the impact of war on global health issues, pollution and its impact on global health, access to medicines and the role of traditional and integrative medicine. Furthermore, issues of global women’s health and sex/gender and diversity aspects in healthcare globally will be elaborated with a special focus on racism in healthcare and the health of persons with disabilities. Finally, we will compare health systems globally, discuss universal health coverage and raise awareness for the complexity of tackling health determinants, inequity, and health outcomes within a globalizing world.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course comprises an interactive mix of lectures, discussions, and individual and group work.

Work placement(s)

none