SO/HE 323 - Endemic Diseases & Their Socioeconomic Context

This course will examine the socioeconomic factors that affect the proliferation and treatment of endemic diseases in South Africa. This course will also study examples from other Southern African countries to give students insight into how region-specific contexts, as well as cultural differences, inform and shape the various approaches to treatment. The course will also provide the necessary historical background to demonstrate how the current state of health and health policy in these countries emerged over time. Since South Africa is a country with high economic inequality and geographical variation, access to effective medical treatment is inconsistent, which requires health professionals to have familiarity with, and knowledge of, the differences that affect how endemic diseases are treated.

NOTE: This course is offered during the regular semester and in the summer. For summer sections, the course schedule is condensed, but the content, learning outcomes, and contact hours are the same.