About this Course: Urban Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Since the 1950s, urbanization has significantly impacted global societies, with over 50% of the world's population now residing in urban areas. Sub-Saharan Africa, experiencing the fastest urban growth, faces a pressing need for sustainable development strategies. This course addresses the urban health challenges—often described as a crisis—in this region by examining the issues facing policy makers, planners, and implementers.

The course features a combination of expert lectures and case studies, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and tools to tackle urban health issues effectively. It was developed through a collaboration among The University of Health and Allied Sciences (Ghana), The University of Ghana, and Georgetown University (USA).

What Students Will Learn

• Understanding of urban areas and urbanization trends, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Insights into the economic and social conditions affecting urbanization and population needs.
• Analysis of urban informality and the creation of slum areas in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strategies for responding to epidemics and pandemics within urban settings.
• Exploration of how local governance and national health systems impact urban health.
• Knowledge on multi-sector collaboration and its role in addressing urban health needs locally and internationally.

Course Prerequisites

No prerequisites are necessary for this course, making it accessible to both general interest learners and professionals such as municipal officers, urban planners, and community organizers.

Course Coverage

• Overview of Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Urban Environments and Health Challenges
• Government Policies, Planning, and Community Organizing
• Case Studies on Recent Pandemics and Epidemic Control
• Approaches to Multi-sectoral Collaboration in Urban Health

Target Audience

This course is tailored for a wide audience, including students with general interest in urban studies and professionals involved in urban management and public health sectors, such as policy makers, urban planners, and health care providers.

Application of Learned Skills

Upon completion, participants will be able to apply the learned skills in various real-world contexts like developing strategies for urban health management, engaging in effective community organization for health initiatives, and contributing to policy formulation and implementation for healthier urban environments.

Syllabus

1. What Are Urban Environments?
   • Urban Populations
   • Emerging Urban Systems: Demographic Trends
   • Urban Informality
2. Epidemics in Urban Areas
   • Introduction to Health in Urban Areas
   • Case Study: Ebola in West Africa
   • Case Study: COVID-19 in Urban Ghana
3. Governance and Cross-Sector Collaboration
   • Local Governance and Urban Health
   • Multi-Sector Collaboration for Urban Health
   • Addressing Complex Urban Health Challenges