Global Health Policy | AmeriBridge University

Course Overview

Global Health Policy introduces students to the processes through which health priorities are identified, transformed into public policy and implemented through health systems and institutions.

The course explores the relationships between governments, international organizations, civil society, communities, donors and other stakeholders involved in global health decision-making.

Why Global Health Policy Matters

Its influence on access to care
Its role in disease prevention
Its impact on health resources
Its contribution to reducing inequalities
Its importance in managing health crises
Its role in international cooperation
Its influence on population health

What You Will Develop

Understanding of health policy development
Analysis of global health governance
Critical evaluation of health policies
Stakeholder and institutional analysis
Understanding of health systems and financing
Policy research and evidence interpretation
Strategic thinking for public health decision-making
Communication of policy recommendations

Key Topics

1. Introduction to Health Policy

2. Global Health Governance

3. Health Systems and Public Institutions

4. Policy Development and Decision-Making

5. Health Financing and Resource Allocation

6. Equity, Access and Social Justice

7. International Organizations and Global Partnerships

8. Policy Responses to Global Health Emergencies

9. Evidence-Informed Health Policy

10. Policy Implementation and Evaluation

Course topics may be adjusted according to the final academic plan and instructional requirements.

Global Health Actors

National governments
Ministries of health
Local health authorities
International organizations
Non-governmental organizations
Research institutions
Funding organizations
Health professionals
Communities and civil society
Private-sector actors

Policy Analysis Framework

Students will learn to examine policies across multiple dimensions:

Health problem addressed Policy objectives Stakeholders Available evidence Political and institutional context Financing Implementation mechanisms Equity implications Expected and unintended effects Monitoring and evaluation

Learning Experience

Policy case studies
Analysis of real-world health challenges
Guided readings
Discussions and debates
Policy briefs
Written analysis
Individual or collaborative activities
Instructor feedback

Possible Learning and Assessment Activities

Policy analysis assignments
Case-study reviews
Discussion participation
Presentation of policy recommendations
Policy brief writing
Comparative health-policy analysis

Final assessment modalities will be confirmed in the official syllabus.

Who Is This Course For?

Public health
Health administration
Health systems
International development
Governmental and non-governmental organizations
Policy analysis
Program management
Global health leadership

Career Relevance

The skills developed in this course can be valuable in environments such as:

Public-health agencies
Ministries and government institutions
International organizations
Non-governmental organizations
Health programs
Research and policy institutions
Development organizations
Health-system management

Connection to the Master’s Program

Global Health Policy is an elective course within the Master of Global Public Health. Students select one elective course from the options provided in the program, subject to applicable academic rules.

Elective course options may include:

Leadership in Global Health
Applied Implementation Science (or similar)
Global Health Policy

Explore the Master of Global Public Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Global Health Policy is presented as an elective course within the Master of Global Public Health. Final course-selection rules are subject to the academic plan.

The course represents 4 credits within the Master of Global Public Health.

The Master of Global Public Health is designed for online learning. Final course-delivery details will be communicated to enrolled students.

Previous professional policy experience is not necessarily required, but an interest in public health, health systems and global decision-making is recommended.

Visit the Master of Global Public Health program page or contact the AmeriBridge team for additional information.