Campus:
Liverpool
Module Overview:
The module introduces you to the core principles of health protection using case-studies and scenarios to explore the epidemiology of key infectious diseases and other hazards and to examine evidence-based approaches to prevent, control and reduce risk of outbreaks or emergencies.
The module uses scenario-based learning to investigate an outbreak and help you learn about how communicable disease threats can be tackled in low- and middle-income settings. Surveillance and common methods for preventing transmission and controlling the spread of important communicable diseases are reviewed.
The design, evaluation and management of immunisation programmes is then examined including systems for monitoring vaccine uptake and adverse events. This includes an exploration of the history of immunisation and the status of global efforts to protect populations.
Concepts of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention are studied. Screening as a public health intervention will be critically reviewed and evaluated. The economic and ethical imperative to develop screening programmes will be balanced against competing health needs in low- and middle-income settings.
Legal frameworks for health protection at national and international levels and how they are applied, are reviewed and illustrated with case-studies. Strategic models for setting and achieving disease control, or elimination or eradication will be examined.
Methods for environmental risk assessment and risk communication, and emergency preparedness principles and systems will be considered.