Course Objectives

The objectives of the course are to:

  1. Compare and contrast the most current complex public health issues and challenges in society.
  2. Distinguish multiple viewpoints of the assigned public health issue based on current evidence and societal trends.
  3. Describe the structure, organization, and function of the Nigerian healthcare system.
  4. Explain regulations and governmental legislation and policies that affect healthcare organizations in Nigeria.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Analyze public health monitoring systems to identify and solve community health problems.
  2. Recognize and evaluate health problems and health hazards in the community using a sociocultural framework.
  3. Identify appropriate methods for assessing the determinants of health problems.
  4. Identify agencies that protect and ensure health.
  5. Analyze and interpret commonly used terminology and findings in public health studies.
  6. Recognize the distinction between infectious and chronic diseases and public health approaches to both.
  7. Evaluate and analyze the social determinants of health and how they are related to health disparities.
  8. Evaluate how legislation has supported public health.
  9. Analyze peer-reviewed publications addressing controversial public health issues.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Contemporary Public Health Issues

  • Overview of public health and its role in society
  • The history of public health and its evolution in Nigeria
  • Key public health challenges in Nigeria today

Module 2: The Structure and Function of the Nigerian Healthcare System

  • Overview of Nigeria’s healthcare system
  • Organizational structure and services
  • Health system performance and challenges

Module 3: Infectious and Chronic Diseases in Nigeria

  • Common infectious diseases affecting Nigeria (e.g., malaria, HIV/AIDS, cholera)
  • The rise of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, cancer)
  • Public health approaches to combating infectious and chronic diseases

Module 4: Health Policies, Practices, and Services in Urban Settings

  • Health services in urban Nigerian settings
  • Health challenges and interventions in cities
  • Role of government policies and international organizations in urban health

Module 5: Health Policies, Practices, and Services in Rural Settings

  • Rural health challenges in Nigeria
  • The role of traditional health systems and practices
  • Health interventions and risk communication in rural communities

Module 6: Social and Behavioral Health Factors

  • The role of social determinants of health in Nigeria
  • Cultural influences on health behavior
  • Approaches to improving social and behavioral health

Module 7: Risk Communication and Health Promotion

  • The importance of risk communication in public health
  • Communicating with rural and urban communities
  • Intercultural communication in health promotion

Module 8: Health Policy, Legislation, and Management

  • The role of legislation in supporting public health
  • Health policy development in Nigeria
  • Management of public health programs and services

Teaching/Learning Methods

  1. Lectures: To provide theoretical insights on public health issues and policies.
  2. Case Studies: Analysis of real-world examples of public health interventions in urban and rural settings.
  3. Group Discussions: To engage students in debates and discussions on controversial public health issues.
  4. Guest Lectures: Contributions from health policy experts and practitioners in Nigeria.
  5. Field Visits: Visits to health institutions and community health programs to observe public health challenges and solutions in practice.

Modes of Assessment

  1. Written Examination (40%): A comprehensive exam covering the key topics in public health issues and the Nigerian healthcare system.
  2. Research Paper (30%): A paper analyzing a contemporary public health issue in Nigeria, including solutions and policy recommendations.
  3. Class Participation (20%): Active participation in discussions and case study evaluations.
  4. Group Project (10%): A collaborative project that evaluates a public health issue in an urban or rural Nigerian community, suggesting interventions.

Reading List/References

Primary Texts

  • Omokhodion, F. O. (2017). Health Policy and Systems in Nigeria. University Press.
  • Okoronkwo, I. A., & Ezeanolue, E. E. (2021). Public Health in Nigeria: Current Issues and Emerging Challenges. Springer.

Supplementary Texts

  • Blouin, C., & Dufresne, P. (2019). Global Health Issues: Challenges and Solutions. Wiley.
  • WHO. (2020). Global Health and Sustainable Development: Challenges in Africa. Oxford University Press.

Additional Resources

  • Nigerian Ministry of Health. (2020). National Health Policy 2020.
  • Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria. (2018). Health System Performance and Reform in Nigeria.