A new wave of education highlights disruptive solutions that will transform students’ learning experiences to support the development of competencies that are linked to future needs. This year, with the demand for such programming and in a world where this type of programming is critical for survival, UGHE has started an option in One Health in its Master of Science of Global Health Delivery program. The One Health approach is founded on the interactions between the environment, animal and human health.

In the One Health option students will analyze, interpret and create plans for the implementation of solutions to both the present and future worlds. Students will take their disciplinary strengths and best practices and compel them to work together with other disciplines. The One Health approach challenges existing barriers and provides a platform to consider new, innovative and forward-facing solutions. 

The option in One Health in the MGHD program will serve to prepare leaders with a broad base of knowledge as well as cross-cutting skills directed towards improving the health of animals, the environment and humans through a transdisciplinary,  multi-sectoral and holistic approach.

Program Modules

In addition to all the core courses in the MGHD program, students taking the One Health option will also take the following modules and a practicum project: 

① OH 001 Infectious Disease Management (5 credits)

This module will help minimize the emergence and management of infectious diseases, an important and timely One Health problem. Students will learn about the types of infectious diseases impacting humans and animals, how they travel through populations, and the methods to control them. Students will learn about emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, that are novel to humans and how a One Health approach can prevent and control them.

② OH 002 Food Security (5 credits)

The Food Security module will examine the complex global problems of food security, food safety and sustainable agriculture. Students will learn about sustainable food systems and how we can feed our growing population, while preserving and natural resources for future generations. Students will also learn about food safety, particularly in our interconnected world. How to engage academics, government and industry to solve food security will highlight the importance of a One Health approach.

③ OH 003 Climate Change and Health (5 credits)

This module will examine how climate change impacts human health through direct and indirect impacts, and how a One Health approach can be used to address this complex challenge. Students will learn about the basics of climate science and explore how to turn this information to climate action, and identify mitigation and adaptation strategies.

④ OH 004 Ecosystem Health (5 credits)

Ecosystem Health will examine how changes in the environment impact human health. Students will learn the basics of ecology, the transport and fate of environmental contaminants, the impact of modification of ecosystem services, and the impact of demographic change on natural resources. In the time where humans are having the biggest impact on the environment, this module will examine how life is and will be different if we continue on the same trajectory.

⑤ OH 005 Pandemic Preparedness and Response (5 credits) 

The Pandemic Preparedness and Response module will allow students to develop skills in order to prepare for and respond to pandemics both locally and from a global health security perspective. In our changing world, there is a need for a new approach to pandemics, such as COVID-19. Case studies of past pandemics will present lessons learned and how to prepare for future pandemics. Students will learn about public health laws and policies including quarantine laws and drug development policies.

⑥ OH 006 Human, Animal and Environmental Dimensions of Neglected Tropical Diseases (5 

credits)

The aim of this module is to provide students with a broad overview of the 20 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with a focus on those present in Africa. Course content would include NTD biology and geography, risk factors for infection, vulnerable populations, socioeconomic burden, national/international programs for disease reduction, and biomedical innovation. Students will apply this information to the design of evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and One Health framed programs for NTD control and/or elimination.

⑦ OH 007 One Health Field School (20 credits)

This module will focus on solving complex problems by developing leadership skills at the interface of different disciplines through applied system analysis and embedded experiences. This Field School will be designed to provide innovative “feet-on-the-ground” learning experiences that embrace the intersection of cultural, social, economic, environmental and health studies on present-day communities-at-risk.

⑧ CAPSTONE One Health Practicum project (50 credits)

The practicum project provides students with a guided space in which to carry out a self-directed and independent project in a field related to One Health. It is designed to allow students to gain hands-on experience in the research and design, implementation and management, and analysis and dissemination of their project, which will further prepare them for becoming global health leaders and change makers. The practicum in One Health can take on any forms of health project with a partnering organization. Projects that encourage students to think critically, to utilize evidence to solve challenging problems strategically, and apply the One Health approach to address complex global health challenges equitably, effectively, and efficiently are suitable for the One Health Practicum.

Is One Health For Me?

If you are interested in getting 21st Century skills needed to address challenges in our rapidly changing world. The One Health option allows students to place themselves, with their various professional, academic and cultural backgrounds, into day-to-day health delivery. 

What is a Career in One Health Like?

Students choose to pursue One Health in order to gain business skills required for a management role in the global health field. The potential career you could apply your skills include:  

➤ Research (e.g. disease surveillance, researcher, infectious disease specialist)

➤ Education (e.g. lecturers)

➤ Public sector & decision making (e.g. ministers, members of parliament, WHO, UN, WFP advisor, urban planner, environmental health policy makers, policy analyst)

➤ Community & NGOS (e.g. foundation staff, climate change leaders, community research coordinator, private sector product development, community development officer, health coordination officer, extension officer, NGO program manager, social worker)

➤ Private sector & engineering (e.g. water engineer, leader of a pharmaceutical company)