Public health approaches to infectious disease

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Provider

OpenLearn
Pricing

Free Certificate
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Duration & workload

3 hours
Sessions

On-Demand

Found in

This free course, Public health approaches to infectious disease, reviews the current global burden of infectious disease, the public health strategies that are reducing the impact of some major infections and the challenges facing national and international organisations in preventing illness and death caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Syllabus

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 The global burden of infectious disease
1 The global burden of infectious disease
1.1 Acute respiratory infections
1.2 Diarrhoeal diseases
1.3 Tuberculosis
1.4 HIV/AIDS
1.5 Malaria
1.6 Other infectious disease headlines
2 The public health approach
2 The public health approach
2.1 Threats to public health from urbanisation and industrialisation
2.2 Public health surveillance and response in a globalised world
2.2.1 International Health Regulations: IHR (2005)
2.2.2 The WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network
2.2.3 National surveillance agencies
2.3 Public health interventions
3 Levels of infectious disease prevention
3 Levels of infectious disease prevention
3.1 Primary prevention strategies
3.2 Secondary prevention strategies
3.3 Tertiary prevention strategies
3.4 Combining prevention levels to promote public health
4 Public health successes in controlling infectious disease
4 Public health successes in controlling infectious disease
4.1 Vaccination revisited
4.1.1 The eradication of smallpox
4.1.2 The campaign to eradicate polio
4.2 The importance of hygiene
4.2.1 Hand washing with soap
4.2.2 Institutional hygiene and healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)
4.3 Community action against infectious diseases
4.3.1 Oral rehydration salts
5 The guinea worm eradication campaign
5 The guinea worm eradication campaign
5.1 The human cost of guinea worm disease
5.2 Falling trends in guinea worm disease
5.3 The guinea worm transmission cycle
5.4 Eradication through community action
5.4.1 Protection of water sources
5.4.2 Community participation in the eradication programme
5.4.3 Surveillance and case mapping
5.4.4 Other interventions to support guinea worm eradication
5.4.5 A final thought about dracunculiasis eradication
6 The Millennium Development Goals, infectious disease and public health
6 The Millennium Development Goals, infectious disease and public health
6.1 The persistent effects of poverty on health
6.2 Other challenges to achieving the MDGs for public health
Conclusion
Questions for the course
Glossary
References
Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.4 rating, based on 14 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at OpenLearn based on 34 ratings

Start your review of Public health approaches to infectious disease

Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
17

This free course delivered precisely as described—comprehensive, well-structured, and rich in detail. It offered extensive examples, high-quality visuals, and clear public health frameworks. The certificate of completion was available on demand, and the stated duration was accurate in outline, though actual completion required closer to 5–6 hours due to the depth of material. The inclusion of case studies and visual aids enhanced understanding significantly. Overall, the experience was intellectually rewarding and professionally relevant, especially for those engaged in global health or policy. A valuable resource that exceeded expectations in content quality and educational integrity.
Abdul Qayoom @abdulqayoomshar
1

Public Health Approaches to Infectious Disease" is an engaging and well-structured course, perfect for anyone interested in understanding how public health tackles infectious diseases. It covers essential topics like disease transmission, outbreak response, and prevention strategies, with real-world examples that make the content highly relevant.

The course stands out with practical insights, case studies, and interactive assessments. I appreciated the focus on key public health strategies such as vaccination, contact tracing, and community education. It also highlights the importance of addressing health equity when planning interventions.
Katie Wiest @katiewiest
6

The course provided good information on approaches to infectious disease. However, the course wasn't super interactive and had some sections just as dense text. There is also no discussion portion for this course.
DEEKSHITH A B
1

the course was very informative and explains about different type of disease and its safety precautions. here we will know about how poverty will also effect a human health.
by this we learn about the different type of infectious media where we can prevent it by educating the people about this.
Tesnim Haj Sadok

I found this course to be highly informative and well-structured. The content on public health, epidemiology, and health policy was clear and easy to follow, even when dealing with complex concepts like incidence, outbreak investigation, and herd im…

I found this course to be highly informative and well-structured. The content on public health, epidemiology, and health policy was clear and easy to follow, even when dealing with complex concepts like incidence, outbreak investigation, and herd immunity. I particularly appreciated the way the course connected historical examples, such as John Snow’s cholera study, to modern public health practices, which made the lessons feel relevant and engaging. The interactive questions helped me apply knowledge, reinforcing topics like infant mortality rates, high-risk groups, and HNA objectives. Overall, the course improved my understanding of how data, policy, and public health strategies work together to protect communities. I feel more confident in analyzing public health issues and understanding the role of epidemiology, informatics, and social policy. The balance between theory and practical examples made learning enjoyable, and I would recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a strong foundation in public health.
Syeda Mahmeen Mannan

How to get a certificate. I completed this course. It is an outstanding and amazing course. It help in public health for everyone
ONYEKEZINI SHADRACH OLUCHI

This is awesome information, I learnt a lot from the lesson.
Please, may I get a certificate of the course?
Pritam Paul

I recently enrolled in The Open University course and found the experience both flexible and rewarding. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to study at your own pace, which makes it ideal for working professionals, parents, or anyone balancing multiple responsibilities.

The course materials are well-structured, combining online lectures, reading resources, interactive activities, and assessments that reinforce learning. The digital platform is intuitive and provides discussion forums where students can engage with tutors and peers, which adds a collaborative dimension to distance learning.
Imam Addisu Fetaw

Public Health Approaches to Infectious Disease is an engaging and informative course that provides a solid foundation in how public health systems manage infectious disease threats. It covers key topics like disease surveillance, outbreak response, vaccination, and global health strategies with clarity and real-world relevance. The course structure is logical and easy to follow, with insightful case studies that enhance understanding. The instructors present complex topics in an accessible way, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Overall, it’s an excellent resource for anyone interested in public health, epidemiology, or global disease prevention efforts.
Mr. Mike Banda

Great course. Wide coverage but compressed for easy walk through. Theory is clearly aligned with reality of life.
Good one!
BHAVI PATEL

The course was interactive but you can add many other details into it for more information. The course was structured so well and it was a good experience here.
Siraj Salma

A very educative and well-structured course detailed and engaging. I have learnt so much more than I would have anywhere else. The flexibility of the course makes it so much easier to follow and study.
Aanya Puri

It was an elaborate and informative course, focusing on preventives, case study and information regarding various diseases. The case study was engaging yet self-explanatory for the course. It definitely was a great experience learning.
Misty Twyman

This course had a lot of good information. Great layout throughout the course. It may need to be a little more health literate friendly.