Global Health Diplomacy & Pandemic Preparedness Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, mastering Global Health Diplomacy & Pandemic Preparedness is absolutely critical for international relations professionals, public health experts, policymakers, and humanitarian specialists seeking to navigate complex global health challenges and build resilient health systems. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip foreign service officers, government officials, international organization staff, health ministry personnel, and public health practitioners with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for shaping international health policy, coordinating global health responses, and preparing for future health crises. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical dimensions of global health, the role of international health regulations, diplomatic strategies for health negotiations, and the strategic implications of health security for national and international stability. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, current international health crises (COVID-19, other outbreaks), and real-world case studies pertinent to complex health diplomacy challenges, empowering you to effectively contribute to global health security and foster international cooperation.

This international health policy course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond national health concerns towards a proactive, strategic approach to managing the multifaceted political, economic, and security dimensions of global health. Mastering health security frameworks, implementing effective pandemic response strategies, and understanding strategies for multilateral health negotiations are indispensable for preventing disease outbreaks, ensuring equitable access to health resources, strengthening health governance, and building resilient health systems worldwide. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic global health policy and health diplomacy, positioning your organization at the forefront of international health cooperation and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced global health security, stable international relations, and improved public health outcomes.

Target Audience

• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• Government Officials from Health Ministries
• International Organization Representatives (WHO, UN, etc.)
• Public Health Professionals & Epidemiologists
• Humanitarian Aid Workers & NGO Staff
• Global Health Policy Analysts & Researchers
• Development Professionals working in health sectors

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of global health and its intersection with international relations.
• Learn about the key actors and institutions in global health governance.
• Master the principles and application of the International Health Regulations (IHR).
• Develop proficiency in analyzing health security threats and their geopolitical implications.
• Explore best practices for designing and implementing national global health diplomacy strategies.
• Understand the critical aspects of multilateral negotiations on health-related issues.
• Learn about robust strategies for pandemic preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Identify the critical role of equity, human rights, and social determinants in global health.
• Develop skills in advocating for health priorities within international forums.
• Understand the economic impact of global health crises and the role of health financing.
• Explore strategies for strengthening health systems and building resilience in vulnerable contexts.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive global health strategies and pandemic preparedness plans.
• Position yourself as a leader in shaping a healthier, more secure, and equitable global future.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Global Health Diplomacy

• Defining global health and its key challenges (infectious diseases, NCDs, health inequities)
• Understanding health as a foreign policy issue and a driver of international relations
• The concept of health diplomacy: negotiation, advocacy, and strategic influence in global health
• Overview of historical global health initiatives and lessons learned
• The interconnectedness of health, security, and economic development

Module 2. Actors & Institutions in Global Health Governance

• Role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its mandate
• Other UN agencies (UNICEF, UNDP, UNAIDS) and their health functions
• Multilateral development banks (World Bank, IMF) and health financing
• Philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and civil society actors in global health
• The role of states and regional organizations in global health policy

Module 3. International Health Regulations (IHR) & Global Health Security

• Purpose and scope of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)
• Core capacities required under the IHR for public health events
• Disease surveillance, rapid detection, and reporting mechanisms
• Point of entry measures and travel restrictions
• Challenges in IHR implementation and compliance

Module 4. Geopolitics of Health & Health Security Threats

• Health as a national security issue: bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases
• The impact of climate change on health and disease patterns
• Health inequities as a source of instability and conflict
• Geopolitical implications of vaccine nationalism and health resource competition
• Dual-use research of concern and its ethical considerations

Module 5. National Global Health Diplomacy Strategies

• Integrating health objectives into national foreign policy doctrines
• Building inter-agency coordination for global health issues
• Leveraging diplomatic assets for health advocacy and negotiation
• Public-private partnerships in global health initiatives
• Case studies of successful national health diplomacy

Module 6. Multilateral Health Negotiations & Frameworks

• The process of negotiating international health treaties and agreements
• World Health Assembly (WHA) and its decision-making mechanisms
• Financing for global health: Global Fund, GAVI, CEPI
• Intellectual property rights and access to medicines/vaccines
• Challenges in achieving consensus on global health policy

Module 7. Pandemic Preparedness, Response & Recovery

• Components of a robust national pandemic preparedness plan
• Early warning systems, rapid response teams, and surge capacity
• Vaccine and therapeutics development, manufacturing, and equitable distribution
• Communication strategies during public health emergencies
• Lessons learned from recent pandemics (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola) for future preparedness

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.