As the world becomes more globalized, it is necessary to think of issues such as health in a global context. The field of global health is all about looking into health issues in a global perspective to facilitate a broader understanding of it and provide solutions for health challenges that go beyond international borders.
If you are someone interested in the health sector in a global context, and want to leave an impact on it, studying a Master’s in Global Health just might be the right choice for you!
What is Global Health?
Global Health is the science of studying the health of populations around the globe, regardless of their national, political or geographical boundaries. Students focusing on global health are particularly interested in researching how health inequalities and specific risk factors influence local and global populations.
Global health involves many disciplines within and beyond health sciences and promotes interdisciplinary collaborations. Global health students learn how international agencies advocate for people, accessibility to healthcare around the world, and ensure that the world health standards are met everywhere.
Why Study Global Health?
Many of us know and talk about the importance of developing and enforcing a good healthcare system in less developed countries around the world and the need for providing health education to people with low income in these areas of the world or in places where there is ongoing conflict. Some of you might also want to learn how to better provide healthcare to people during disasters or when there are security issues.
Often, the field of Global health is pursued by students who need the knowledge mentioned above to excel in their current careers or want to work for global humanitarian organizations after graduation.
Global health can be an exciting and a rewarding field for anyone interested in the welfare of people around the world as you will be learning a range of tasks from how to prevent the spread of diseases during wars and the spread of communicable diseases such as the Ebola or even the handle the Covid-19 pandemic that can easily cross borders between countries.
What do Global Health Professionals do?
Global health professionals are the individuals behind ensuring the safety and good health of vulnerable populations and improve the health of communities globally through providing education, development of policies, and research. Global health professionals strive to make a meaningful impact on the world by evaluating data, shaping public policy or working directly with populations to improve their wellbeing.
Listed below are some of the specific areas that global health professionals can choose to address;
Cancer
Pneumonia
HIV/AIDS
Tuberculosis
Mental Health
Epidemic Diseases
Policy and Advocacy
Malaria
Nutrition
Maternal and Child Health
Hygiene
Vaccines
Some of the general tasks fulfilled by global health professionals include;
Diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of healthcare systems around the world for identification of problems
Educating at-risk communities about local health issues
Planning and developing procedures and policies to ensure the wellbeing of communities
Development of an efficient healthcare system in vulnerable communities in developing nations
Doing research on potential solutions to global health issues
Subjects Covered in a Global Health Course
Listed below are the general subjects covered in a global health course;
Global health systems
Environmental and Population health
Epidemiology
Global health, equity and human rights
Health Program planning, monitoring and evaluation
Priorities and interventions of public health
Social Determinants of Health
Dissertation
Career Opportunities for Global Health Graduates
Global health graduates can work in a wide range of practice areas in the field including;
Government departments and ministries of health
Public health networks
Community health services
Universities and research institutes
International health policy and funding institutions
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Mental health services
Indigenous health organisations
General Entry Requirements for Masters in Global Health
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a field relevant to public health or health management or equivalent
The selection process will depend on;
Prior academic performance
Public health and health related work experience
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.