The modules developed by the Global Health Mentoring team are the foundation from which discussion between the student and mentor can blossom. They are researched summaries of four pertinent global health issues: Climate Change, the Millennium Development Goals, the Social Determinants of Health and Global Health Systems. For the benefit of the larger community, the modules will be uploaded onto the GHMP website over the coming weeks.
Module 1: Climate change and health
As we are amidst public debate about the introduction of a carbon tax, one of the most important economic reforms in Australia since the introduction of the GST, it is a particularly opportune point in time to think about climate change. It is hoped that this module does provoke GHMP participants to question and think about climate change, and how climate change could affect global health. This module is not aimed to be an all inclusive textbook, but rather, we strongly encourage readers to seek their own research. We have aimed to be objective in writing the module and wish GHMP participants to form their own opinions under the guidance of mentors. The module can be divided into two sections: the module itself which is separated into short summary topics, and the appendix, which expands on the topics in the first half of the document.
Module 2: Millennium Development Goals
The second module tackles the ambitious subject of the MDGs. The MDGs were derived from the United Nations Millennium Declaration signed in September 2000. While the MDGs have been criticized at various intervals, they still form the current blueprint for international development practices. The achievement of a global agreement on these goals highlights their acknowledged importance to eradicate poverty and gross inequities in the world. This module was written over the 2011 academic year by Monash University students as a supplement or quick guide for participants in the Ignite Global Health Mentoring Program (GHMP) . We hope that this module will serve as an objective, brief introduction to the topic of the MDGs.
Module 3: Social Determinants of Health
This third module designed by the Ignite Global Health Mentoring Program (GHMP) Academic Committee aims to provide an insight into the ‘causes of the causes’ of disease. The social determinants of health are inherently entrenched in each and every one of our lives. It is then no surprise that this topic is remarkably broad. This module aims to provide an introduction to the variety of issues that permeate the social determinants of health. The reader is then encouraged to gain a more in depth understanding of the issues at hand, both through their own research and, of course, through the invaluable knowledge and experience of their mentor.
Module 4: Global Health Systems
This module, the fourth and final, is focussed on the topic of health systems in the global context. Health systems are complex, ever-evolving entities, which must adapt to the unique and changing needs of a population. The task of governing a health system is a difficult one, and requires the ability to balance an array of sometimes conflicting factors in order to ensure that healthcare services reach all those who need them. It is hoped that this module reflects some of that complexity, and encourages contemplation on the issues health systems face in achieving the inherent goal of better health for all.