Global health in action: A simulation exercise on aid policies, sovereignty, and decision-making at country level

As part of a mandatory new course on Global Health Practice and Networks, students enrolled in the MPH global health concentration at Harvard School of Public Health have an opportunity to take part in a simulation exercise to experience the dynamics and complexities inherent in the politics of health sector cooperation as it plays out in many countries on any single day. Impersonating the roles of national government officials, international donors and agencies, they engage in an intense afternoon of both formal sector policy dialogue and informal consultations to identify priorities for national health development; to discuss available aid modalities and associated conditions; and to consider broader implications on national sovereignty and global partnerships. In the context of other course sessions, students not only be exposed to an important aspect of global health reality and associated roles as professionals, but also apply critical analysis to reflect on prevailing aid practices. The learning objectives are not limited to simulating or even understanding existing practice but to build skills for future global health leaders to effectively affect change as the nature of health challenges requires.