The USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health offers students a unique opportunity to explore global health policy, research, and advocacy through participation in PM 589: Global Health Governance and Diplomacy in Practice.
Students meet several times in the Spring semester, and then travel together to spend two weeks in Geneva, Switzerland in conjunction with the World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest-level health policy setting body for the world. Students gain practical experience, including through high-level briefings with Geneva based global health organizations and engagement with World Health Assembly (WHA) side events. Students meet with policymakers, practitioners, civil society and government representatives, and networks engaged in shaping global health, and are immersed in the international processes that shape global health policy and funding priorities.
Applications for the 2026 summer course are currently closed.
Learn more about PM 589: Global Health Governance and Diplomacy in Practice in Geneva
This course investigates the way health is organized and administered at the global level by exposing students to the inner workings of key global health organizations and integrating them directly into side events and other opportunities connected to the meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. At the WHA, delegates from WHO Member States determine WHO policies for the year, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the programme budget for WHO. Students will engage with the diverse organizations, consortia and networks engaged in global health, and experience the international diplomacy processes governing health and global health funding and priorities. This course will allow students to apply the knowledge and skills from their MPH and other coursework to engage in and analyze global policy, politics and processes. In addition, students will interact with global health organizations in Geneva to gain a deeper understanding of the work of diverse organizations involved in health globally, and begin to explore the various opportunities for future careers in global health. PM 578 (Global Health Governance & Diplomacy) is a recommended (not required) prerequisite.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, students will be equipped with knowledge, skills and abilities to:
- Describe the role of major public and private sector players in global health governance and programming
- Describe the forums through which global health governance is debated and formalized
- Discuss strengths and weaknesses in existing global health governance
- Contribute to global policy processes in an appropriate manner
- Understand the role of civil society organizations in global health governance and decision-making
Learning Methods
- A range of interactive and applied learning approaches are employed in this course including but not limited to, Self-Directed Learning, Audiovisual Materials, Peer Education, Direct Engagement, and Class Discussions
Eligibility
- This course is open to graduate and professional students from all disciplines, but space is very limited. Preference will be given to MPH students in their final year of study.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 summer course are currently closed.
Recap from 2025
Follow along for some student experiences with these reels:
Check out our YouTube playlist to view reels from past cohorts.
Select Organizations Visited
Representatives from these organizations help make the course a success, we are thankful for their thoughtful and honest presentations and discussions, and the new connections they helped build with our students.
Support the Global Health Governance and Diplomacy in Practice Course
Please join us in supporting students to participate in future Global Health Governance and Diplomacy in Practice with the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health. Past students have reported having such an incredible experience, they want to help make this course available to others.
This transformative educational experience allows students to immerse themselves in the heart of global health, exploring the spaces where health policies are crafted, debated, and implemented on an international scale. They not only absorb critical knowledge but also discover the driving forces behind those dedicated to advancing health and human rights. Their learning spans across disciplines including law, medicine, public health, and social work.
Please join us to make this program accessible to more students and bridge the gap for students who need financial resources to participate. The trip costs about $5,500 per student, covering accommodations, flights, food, ground transportation, and more. We passionately believe that finances should not hinder the ability of any student to benefit from participating in this amazing opportunity.
Please join us by making a gift today here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.