Global health is the health of populations in a global context and transcends the perspectives and concerns of individual nations. Health problems that transcend national borders or have a global political and economic impact are often emphasized. It has been defined as 'the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide'. Thus, global health is about worldwide improvement of health, reduction of disparities, and protection against global threats that disregard national borders (Wikipedia).
Global Health: Health problems, issues, and concerns that transcend national boundaries, may be influenced by circumstances or experiences in other countries, and are best addressed by cooperative actions and solutions. (Defined by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies)
As the world becomes more culturally, economically, and politically integrated, the need to understand international health systems, remove health disparities, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases becomes all the more pertinent. Health issues, such as HIV/AIDS and clean water and sanitation, directly impact a country’s development. Thus, students and faculty of many disciplines are researching, designing, and implementing programs that incorporate global health into international development.
If you are interested in a specific discipline of global health please contact:
Renee King, School of Medicine, Renee.King@ucdenver.edu
Eileen Thomas, School of Nursing, Eileen.Thomas@ucdenver.edu
Kathy Kennedy, Colorado School of Public Health, Kathy.Kennedy@du.edu
Sharry Erzinger, Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Sharry.Erzinger@ucdenver.edu
University of Colorado Denver offers several interdisciplinary classes that involve global health issues. Visit our global health courses webpage to see what we offer.
If you are interested in taking a Global Health course at University of Colorado Denver, visit the Office of the Registrar.
Many opportunities exist for those looking for global health projects in which to participate, and we attempt to match your interests, skills, and objectives with an appropriate project. An excellent place to begin looking is the Center’s Member and Affiliate list, as many of our affiliates are looking for people with whom to collaborate and work. Below are some more websites that offer project opportunities.
American Medical Student Association International Health
American Academy of Family Physicians International Opportunities
Global Health Education Consortium
The Center of Global Health does provide two scholarships: the Robinson Durst Scholarship and a Rotary Scholarship. Recipients are chosen by an application process. Visit our scholarship page for more information.
Many opportunities for funding exist for those looking to fund their projects. Below are a few examples of organizations that provide funding to students and professionals.
American Medical Student Association
Child Family Health International
Community of Science
Grants.gov
Global Health Education Consortium
The Center truly enjoys having community members and students volunteer as interns and for its events. Please contact Program Manager Michelle Shiver at michelle.shiver@ucdenver.edu for volunteer opportunities.
There are many opportunities for you to become involved in global health events around campus and in the Denver community.
If you are a student at the University of Colorado Denver, you can become involved with the student group “Students for Global Health.” For more information about this student group, please contact Laura Dickson at laura.dickson@ucdenver.edu.
However, anyone can enroll in offered global health courses, such as the Certificate Program in Global Health, attend the Center’s events, such as the annual Symposium and the Global Health Lecture Series, and participate in one of the Center’s many affiliates’ projects. Sign up to be added to the Center’s listserve, in which you will receive bi-monthly newsletters, email updates, and information about current global health events.