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Unit Code: PBH501

Unit Name: Introduction to Public Health

Description: This will be the first course that a year 1 PH student should take as this introduces all aspects of Public Health that includes Epidemiology, Health Service Management, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Dietetics and Nutrition. The course provides a comprehensive overview of public health from its historical roots to what public health is today, how governmental and non-governmental public health agencies are organized, the core public health functions and the 10 Essential Public Health Services, the millennium development goals (MDG’s) and the sustainable development goals (SDG’s). In addition, despite of the evolving changes in definition, the concept remains i.e. to prolong life, protect and promote health. The course will be a snap shot of all that the students will encounter throughout learning in the field of Public Health.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1. Define and describe health, its various components and determinants. 2. Discuss Public Health, PH evolution through the years. 3. Explain Primary Health Care, its origin, the basic principles and the 8 + 2 important components. 4. Discuss health promotion (new Public Health) and its role in the health of the population. 5. Illustrate the concept and components of Community Development. 6. Discuss the principles of Health Service Management and its role in Public Health. 7. Discuss nutrition and its role in Public health. 8. Explore the current and future issues and challenges in public health. 9. Explain ethics, laws and regulations governing the health of the public. 10. Introduce basic statistics and health research. 11. Explain the importance of maternal child health.

Prerequisite: NA

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1