97039 - Global Health, Antimicrobial Drugs and Vaccines

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Docente: Russel Edward Lewis
  • Credits: 1
  • SSD: MED/17
  • Language: English
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Medicine and Surgery (cod. 9210)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have knowledge on the importance of antimicrobial resistance from a global perspective, the scientific and economic challenged involved in new antibiotic development, and will be aware on the access to antimicrobials and vaccines and their approval across different countries.

Course contents

This section of the course will be divided into three 3hr modules

In Module 1 the student will examine the challenges for global management of antimicrobial resistance. The dynamics and problems of cross-border dissemination and control of antimicrobial resistance outbreaks will be discussed and well as control strategies. Students will participate in group simulation exercise managing the emergence of a hypervirulent pan-drug resistant bacteria strain in a healthcare setting as a cross-border threat to heath. The exercise will provide an opportunity for students to discuss knowledge, capabilities, experiences and best practices used to control cross-boarder resistance threats.

In Module 2 the student will study the current crises on antibiotic development, how markets, regulatory agencies, and clinical practice models impact antibiotic development, and then compare and contrast strategies that have been proposed to stimulate development of new antibiotics. Students will then participate in a simulation exercise where they will compare how incentive strategies may differ depending on the the type and expected use of a novel antibiotic.

In Module 3 the student will examine the problems of antimicrobial availability, affordability and quality in resource limited countries. Innovative programs such as the Medicine Patents Pool and the WHO Coronavirus Technology Access Pool will be discussed as models for improved access. Students will present group case studies of how access to medications for HIV infection, hepatitis C, COVID-19, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis have been improved through these programs

Readings/Bibliography

No textbook is required for this section of the course. Links for background required reading/lectures will be provided to the student and all slides/handouts will be available as repository material on the Moodle platform.

Teaching methods

The student's learning process and educational objectives will be achieved through lessons introducing the material and concepts, in-class or virtual group work and simulation studies, and peer case study presentations.

Assessment methods

Students are required to attend at least 70% of classes for credit. Students attending in presence should bring their own computer in class to participate to the online simulation and groups works.

Final grade consists of 50% interactive work in groups and 50% individual written assignment on a topic assigned in the course.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, online videos, online resources/simulations.

Office hours

See the website of Russel Edward Lewis

SDGs

Good health and well-being

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.