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340.639.01
Assessing Epidemiologic Impact of Human Rights Violations

Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2021 - 2022
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 1:30 - 2:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Reveals an appreciation for the mechanisms through which policies and rights abrogation can worsen epidemics, of the benefits of using a rights-based approach to public health problems, and of current epidemiologic tools to study these complex interactions.
Using a case-based approach, investigates interactions of epidemics, public health, and human rights. Explores how human rights violations and failed public policies can affect the health of populations and the efficacy of public health efforts. Examines epidemiologic methods to investigate and describe these interactions, including qualitative assessments and interview approaches, population level measures, indirect measures for use in conflict areas, and new tools of molecular epidemiology. Case studies include the stalled response to cholera in Zimbabwe; HIV/AIDS in Burma; HIV, STIs, and violence in relation to human trafficking and sex work; HIV prevention for drug users in Russia, the CIS and China; and the policies of limiting condom availability for prisoners in the US, Russia, and Thailand.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain the mechanisms through which policies and rights abrogations can worsen epidemics, of the benefits of using a rights-based approach to public health problems, and of current epidemiologic tools to study these complex issues