Handbook

This course provides an overview of maternal and child health in its global context and within a public health and social framework. The course takes a critical look at global strategies for improving maternal and child health with a focus on the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health 2016-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course covers a breadth of global public health issues in this area including: the epidemiology of maternal and child health; antenatal care and birthing; maternal, infant and child nutrition; maternal and newborn health among Indigenous Australians; HIV infection in women and children; immunization, as well as global programs and policies in maternal and child health with a focus on the social determinants of health including gender equity. Case studies, theories and relevant policies from developed and developing countries will be presented for discussion and debate to improve students understanding of maternal and child health issues in a variety of contexts.

The course will be most suitable for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of maternal and child health issues through a gender and public health lens.

This is an elective course for the Public Health, Global Health, Health Leadership and Management and Infectious Diseases Intelligence Programs, comprising 6 units of credit towards the total required for completion of these study programs. There are no pre-requisites for this course.