Foundations of Public Health

This course serves as an introduction to the field of public health, providing students with a foundational understanding of its philosophy, history, core principles, and methodologies. It will explore the ways public health sciences are applied to address pressing issues and common challenges that affect populations worldwide. The course will emphasize the evolving landscape of public health, particularly the shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the role of social determinants of health, and the growing importance of public health policy and ethics. It will also explore the distinction between public health ethics (population ethics) and medical bioethics, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. Additionally, the course will address the challenges of increasing healthcare costs and the growing demand for healthcare services, which threaten the sustainability of health systems and hinder progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Participants will be introduced to the methods of public health assessment, interpretation of health data, and the strategic use of this data to influence policy and decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on building public health teams and fostering leadership in tackling complex health problems. Moreover, the course is designed to empower participants with essential skills for effective leadership, management, and communication in public health settings. This will help to integrate theoretical foundations, various leadership skills, and practical tools to support decision-making, program planning, resource management, and team development.

1. Evaluate a range of public health definitions and their relative advantages.
2. Explain the phases in the development of this discipline and make a difference between traditional and New Public Health.
3. Assess the benefit of a framework for essential public health functions.
4. Recognize the basic fields of public health research together with quantitative and qualitative methods used in the investigation of public health problems.
5. Analyze the comprehensive system of public health within the current threats and challenges at national and regional level.
6. Apply organizational management theory in public health practice.
7. Identify and apply various leadership styles and theories to influence and motivate teams in public health contexts.
8. Develop and implement effective project management plans, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization of resources.
9. Design evidence-based health programs that meet community needs and evaluate their effectiveness.
10. Assess the roles and interests of stakeholders to foster collaboration and achieve program objectives.
11. Implement change management strategies to enhance organizational performance and adaptability.
12. Apply structured problem analysis techniques to identify challenges and craft actionable solutions.
13. Foster a cohesive team environment and enhance interpersonal communication to achieve shared goals.
14. Develop strategies to prioritize tasks, enhance productivity, and manage stress for personal and professional well-being.