Module 1: What is Global Health Equity?

Global health equity is a critical yet historically complex issue shaped by social, political, and economic forces over time. This week, we introduce the foundational concepts of health equity while examining the historical evolution of global health and its ongoing challenges.

The Evolution of Global Health

The global health field has undergone significant transformation, from colonial-era public health interventions—often designed to protect economic interests rather than promote well-being—to modern equity-driven approaches. However, major shifts occurred with milestones such as the formation of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) emphasizing primary healthcare as a human right, and the rise of social justice movements advocating for health as a fundamental human right.

A critical part of understanding health equity is recognizing these philosophical and structural shifts in global health. The shift from international health to global health reflects the need for multilateral collaboration and a commitment to equity, rather than one-directional assistance from high-income to low-income countries.

To critically examine the historical and conceptual foundations of global health equity, faculty will engage with two essential readings

1. "Towards a Common Definition of Global Health" 

(Koplan et al., 2009)

This article explores the lack of a universally accepted definition of global health, arguing that a clear definition is necessary to guide scholarship, funding, and practice. The authors highlight how global health differs from international and public health, emphasizing:

• The multidisciplinary nature of global health, incorporating medicine, economics, social sciences, and policy.

• The focus on health equity, addressing disparities within and between countries. 

• The role of globalization, recognizing that health threats—such as pandemics, climate change, and migration—transcend borders.

• The need for cooperation across nations, moving beyond traditional models of international aid.

2. "Global Health is Public Health" (Frenk et al., 2010)

This article argues that global health and public health are fundamentally the same, countering the idea that global health is a separate discipline. Key arguments include:

• Public health has always been global—disease outbreaks, environmental risks, and economic policies have historically shaped population health across borders.

• The role of equity—public health’s core commitment to social justice is at the heart of global health efforts.
   

Evaluation and Feedback

📌 Evaluation: How have historical public health efforts contributed to modern inequities? What lessons can we learn from past approaches to ensure ethical, equity-focused health interventions?

📌 Feedback: Faculty will complete a module feedback form to evaluate their understanding of the modules. This will help track progress over the semester and tailor discussions to address knowledge gaps.

By the end of Week 1, faculty should have a historical and conceptual foundation for engaging in health equity work, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the coming weeks.