What is Global Public Health?

There are many ways to describe what Global Public Health is, but the simplest way is to understand that it is an area of research and study that takes actions on improving health and promoting health equity for people around the world.  

This worldwide improvement on health, reduction of disparity, and protection against global threats such as pandemics, go beyond a nation’s borders and have the possibility to impact world economies and affect quality of life everywhere. Therefore, global health is considered to be one of the most critical studies that is responsible for maintaining world health security.  

What is the importance of Global Public Health? 

Promoting good health globally is one of the most important missions the human race undertakes in the 21st century. Global public health is not just one massive governmental agency but is actually made up of many international health organisations and groups, mainly people - doctors, nurses, volunteers, educators and advocates in communities world-over.  

One of the best known global health agencies is the World Health Organisation (WHO). They manage and coordinate health education and activities around the world, keeping a close check on trends, new threats and opportunities to improve health. Global health organisations such as WHO and its partners can reach everywhere and offer global approaches to public health.  

The importance of this governing and monitoring body is becoming increasingly large, with globalisation. With increased trade, cultural and social exchanges happening all over the world, the risks of illness and disease spreading too, is on the high.

Covid-19 pandemic

One of the most significant global health issues we’ve all faced recently is the Covid-19 outbreak that has over 515 million confirmed cases at the moment with a majority of cases coming from Europe. To curb the spread, there have been several global public health measures and guides in place that most countries still follow, even today.  

Climate change

Another major global health issue the world is facing is climate change, and its effect on the environment and people. According to research, we have been made aware that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is predicted to cause 250,000 additional deaths per year due to the threat it has to the environment. Global public health is focused on bringing policies and measures to prevent and slow down climate sensitive diseases every day with immediate solutions such as providing clean water and sanitation processes.  

Having large global public health bodies allows us to communicate and make sure good strategies are implemented on a national and community level. This is why global public health practices are so vital, because it affects everyone of us.  

How does a postgraduate course support a career in Global Public Health? 

The list of global health issues is never ending. However, there are many ways to make a positive and impactful career in global public health starting with a Master’s programme in Global Public Health by Queen Mary University of London. This online and part-time course offers modules with an in-depth understanding of global health issues to support your journey as a global health professional.  

Find out about careers available in Global Public Health:

For instance, the module ‘Understanding Epidemiology and Statistics’ included in the course, is crucial to develop interpretational skills. Data collection is essential to monitor the state of health in the world. In 2019, WHO’s latest data and statistics collected on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were analysed to guide everyone working towards creating a positive impact in health. Understanding these statistics well, helps to create a framework to plan and implement activities and mobilise funding to achieve the SDG goals for health and development globally.  

Global health policy and governance is another module in the course that covers international relations, globalisation, politics etc. exploring the avenues of social, political, economic and environmental factors directly affecting public health. Situations are investigated and results are gathered for the governing body. An example would be the improvement of healthcare worker health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. 13 case studies from healthcare provider organisations globally were analysed to discover that mental wellbeing was the most common theme, highlighting the list of improved implementation of initiatives.  

The MSc in Global Public Health at Queen Mary University of London will provide all the necessary skills and learning for careers in health policy and service at various levels with an extensive study coverage. If you want to approach healthcare from a global perspective, read more about this course: