HarvardX: MalariaX: Defeating Malaria from the Genes to the Globe

by Harvard University

MalariaX: Strategies in Malaria Eradication

Course Description

This course explores the scientific, historical, and policy dimensions of malaria, aimed at eradicating a disease that has been a human scourge globally. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates social, political, and economic contexts to furnish learners with the tools and knowledge to engage in informed policymaking and practical application towards malaria eradication.

What students will learn from the course

Comprehensive understanding of the malaria pathogen and vector biology
Application of new genomic tools in policy-making for local and national contexts
Insights into the resistance mechanisms and advancing pharmaceutical technologies
Effective application of data science in evaluating and planning malaria interventions
Integration of surveillance data for adaptive response strategies
Understanding the complex interactions of socio-economic and environmental factors in disease control

Prerequisites or skills necessary to complete the course

Prospective students should have foundational knowledge in undergraduate-level biology and quantitative methods to comprehend and engage with the course content effectively.

What the course will cover

Biological mechanisms of malaria and its impact on the human host
Data integration in malaria monitoring and strategic response

Genomic influences and technological innovation in malaria control

Environmental and social dynamics affecting malaria transmission

political and economic considerations in malaria elimination policies

Who this course is for

Professionals and students in the fields of global health, epidemiology, public policy, and biology aiming to gain specialized knowledge in malaria eradication strategies, as well as individuals involved in public health planning and decision-making.

How learners can use these skills in the real world

Learners can leverage the skills acquired to contribute to public health policies, design and implement effective disease control strategies, and systematically analyze impacts of interventions on health outcomes. This foundational knowledge can be pivotal in global health leadership roles, research settings, and in crafting public health policies that align with regional health needs and goals.

Syllabus

Setting the Stage for Malaria Elimination
The Biology of Malaria, Parts 1 and 2
Vector Biology and Dynamics of Transmission
Genomic Approaches to Malaria Elimination
Social and Cultural Determinants of Malaria
Political Analysis for Malaria
Surveillance-Response Approaches in Malaria Elimination
Stratification and Data Science Approaches for Malaria Elimination

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