In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health however, the Pacific region has remained mostly unaffected with most countries largely remaining Covid free at the height of the pandemic. Paradoxically the region still has some of the poorest health outcomes in all other areas and health in the Pacific, and health of Pacific peoples, has long been a critical development concern for Pacific island governments, communities, and aid agencies, including Australia and the World Health Organization. This course examines the region's health status and policy responses at the local, national, regional and global level. Drawing on DPA’s expertise in Pacific societies and systems, and our training in political science, development studies, anthropology, population health, and indigenous health, this course is able to provide in-depth investigation of critical health issues in Pacific Island Countries. We begin by examining the health status of the region followed by analysing the health responses and health service delivery across the region with a focus on case studies at the regional, national and local level. Examples of case studies will include comparing the impacts of Covid-19 across the region, population politics, gender dimensions of health, HIV/AIDS, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health and addictions, climate change and food security. In each case we ask what are the key contributors, what policies are trying to address these challenges, and how do culture, development and politics shape health challenges and responses. This course is ideal for students and/or practitioners who wish to better understand the critical health challenges in the Pacific including from policy, development, cultural, and governance perspectives. Those who currently work in the Pacific or wish to do so will benefit from detailed examination and understanding of major health issues and responses, while those students who are studying health will access unique Pacific content and case studies. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify and understand key aspects of Pacific Health Status and Trends (statistics, reliability of data, health transitions, in the region and Pacific migrant communities)
2. Analyse critical contemporary challenges in Pacific health service delivery, including policy responses and interventions
3. Identify different approaches to health (SDH, Public Health, Epidemiology, Pacific worldviews — culture, religion, spirituality) and apply this to case studies from the Pacific
4. Evaluate Australia's role in promoting health in the region
5. Demonstrate advanced skills in critical reading, thinking, writing, discussion and public presentation.