Public and Global Health

That is what Americans do. We face a challenge-no matter how great-because we know that on the other side there is always hope.
-Senator John Kerry

America's values and history of compassion often guide her efforts to solve some of the most serious problems facing the world's poorest people. The US can improve the lives of citizens around the world and advance its own interests by contributing strategically to global health efforts.

America's values and history of compassion often guide her efforts to solve some of the most serious problems facing the world's poorest people. The US can improve the lives of citizens around the world and advance its own interests by contributing strategically to global health efforts.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss controversial issues in public health

• Examine the role of governments and public health organizations in current and future global health challenges

Learning Resources

Schneider, M.-J. (2011). Introduction to public health (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Schneider, M. (2011). Introduction to Public Health. Copyright Jones & Bartlett. Schneider, M, (2011) Introduction to Public Health.

Copyright Jones & Bartlett. Used by permission.

• Chapter 2, "Why Is Public Health Controversial?"

Public health may challenge people's values, perceived rights, and require them to make sacrifices. Controversies from economic, individual's personal liberties, and moral-religious-political opposition must be addressed to improve the health of populations around the world.

You can ignore the references about the controversies and challenges of the topics we have specifically covered throughout to other chapters from the original text book in these assigned readings, but think instead this course.

Document: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2010). Haiti-From sustaining lives to sustainable solutions: The challenge of sanitation. (PDF)

Haiti: From Sustaining Lives to Sustainable Solutions: the Challenge of Sanitation. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, 2010.

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 2010, the people of Haiti face a risk of a secondary disaster in which the people who have survived the earthquake could succumb to preventable disease because of sanitation issues.

This report identifies the first steps and long term innovation needed to achieve sustainable sanitation solutions and have a positive health impact on the people of Haiti.

Document: Fallon, W. J, & Gayle, H. D. (2010). Report of the CISIS commission on smart global health policy: A healthier, safer and more prosperous world. Center for Strategic & International Studies. (PDF)

Fallon, W. J., & Gayle, H.D. (2010). Report of the CSIS Commission on Smart Global Health Policy: A Healthier, Safer and More Prosperous World. Copyright 2010 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Reprinted by permission.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) established a Commission to examine strategic role the United States can play to better the lives of the world's citizens while advancing its own interests.

Optional Resources

The White House Office of the Secretary: Statement by the President on Global Health Initiative

Ellen Gustafson: Obesity + Hunger = 1 global food issue

Co-creator of the philanthropic FEED bags, Ellen Gustafson says hunger and obesity are two sides of the same coin. At TEDxEast, she launched The 30 Project-a way to change how we farm and eat in the next 30 years, and solve the global food inequalities behind both epidemics. Video courtesy of TED Conferences, LLC

American Public Health Association Healthiest Nation in One Generation

Public Health in the 21st Century

Public health has the potential to improve the lives of millions around the world. However, there are many factors and challenges that must be considered when working to improve the health of populations.

To prepare for this Discussion, select one public or global health topic of interest to you that you feel will be significant over the next 30 years from the wide range of public and global health challenges you have learned about in this course. Search for articles in to learn more about the topic you have selected. For suggestions to help with your search, visit the Library

Post a comprehensive response to the following:

What global health Issue, identified in the Report of the CISIS Commission on Smart Global Health Policy, do you think we will, most likely, see significantly reduced or increased in the 21st century? Provide evidence from credible sources to support your prediction.

1. Provide a brief explanation of your chosen health topic and a description of the population affected.

2. Describe the 1) economic, 2) individual liberty, 3) moral/religious, and 4) political factors that contributed to the health problem. What challenges face public health professionals trying to address this issue today and in the future?

3. How should the ideals described in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (p. 23 of "Haiti-From sustaining lives to sustainable solutions: the challenge of sanitation") be applied to this public health challenge?

4. How can future US global health strategies, identified in your resources, make a difference in the health topic you feel will be significant over the next 30 years?