Global Health Graduate Courses, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Course Schedule

Please note that course schedules may be amended due to low enrollment, faculty availability, and/or other factors.

Online Sync Sessions are an integral part of the online learning experience. Additional information about learning concepts and assignments may be discussed and sync sessions offer valuable opportunities for students to interact with their faculty and peers during the term. We encourage all students to attend live, but if they are unable to, sync sessions will be recorded and posted within Canvas to allow for an asynchronous model of success as well.

MSGH 450-DL : Sustainability of Global Health Initiatives

Description

Recent global health crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa reflect the need for strengthened national health systems. All national health systems and specific health program interventions throughout the world are straining to provide sustainable professional health services to their populations. Responding to these health needs by reducing the burdens of disease and ensuring long term, equitable access to care and promoting better health outcomes are among the most important goals of these systems and programs. As part of their response, these systems must address the social, economic, environmental and institutional components of a sustainable health system. Often these initiatives require external financial and technical support to ensure the appropriate response and to develop and maintain standard levels of care. This external support can be provided in a way that fosters sustainability or can also lead to dependency. Sustainability should be a critically important goal of every health system or health initiative. How can disease burdens be reduced while promoting resilience and strengthening capability to respond to the health needs of individuals or population groups for which they are responsible? This course will examine concepts of sustainability and analyze specific global health initiatives by identifying and applying indicators to evaluate the mobilization, allocation and integration of sufficient and appropriate professional technical resources, technology, information, and financing.

Prerequisite: MSGH 405 Foundations of Global Health and Global Burden of Disease