Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118133

Alex O. Otieno, MPH, ABD, Department of Public Health, Temple University, 304 Vivacqua Hall, Philadelphia, PA PA 19122, 267-620-4139, otieno@arcadia.edu

The global-local dimensions of public health ethics are evident in inequitable distribution of health resources and research, flawed laws and policies such as those directed at syringe exchange programs for injected drug users and mandatory HIV testing of immigrants. Considering these issues contributes to the necessary overhaul in public health training recommended by the Institute of Medicine (2003). This presentation is based on experience in teaching health and human rights to a mixed group of graduate students in a small northeastern US university. The overarching goal is to prepare students to be physician's assistants with a strong public health orientation, and/or pursue careers in international peace and conflict resolution. This course introduces participants to current issues in global health and human rights through the ecological approach, human security, war and public health, health systems, health policy, social determinants of health and health equity, and the complex interactions among local and global systems. Students are introduced to advocacy approaches, assessment, and research skills, and cultural competence in the context of globalization. Information and communication technologies are used to expose participants to case studies and the ethical foundations of Paul Farmers ideas. Global health is approached through the examination of major themes related to development and underdevelopment, poverty and wealth, equality and inequality. Program planning and evaluation, role of partnerships, use of evidence in policy advocacy, the linkages between development, peace and health equity are introduced from the perspective of the World Health Organization, and the Millennium Declaration of the United Nations.

Learning Objectives:

• a)Articulate emerging strategies for educating graduate students on the intersection between ethics, health equity, sustainable development, and human rights
• b)Articulate the role of socialization in action and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized groups
• c)Present a case study of the role of information and communication technologies in enhancing global connectedness and ethical commitments among graduate students

Keywords: Global Education, Ethics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.