Medicine has long been a global undertaking, and knowing its history prepares us to address emerging health crises. This Focus course begins with the coronavirus pandemic and the first major infectious disease epidemics that emerged from increased trade and warfare: plague and smallpox. Critical analysis of colonial medicine reveals reasons for ongoing inequalities in global health today. We analyze smallpox, cholera and schistosomiasis eradication programs and consider the importance of basic hygiene and safe childbirth. The core text examines the role of stigma in global health today. Your work will include an individual research paper on a topic you choose.
