OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the global burden of infectious disease and global definitions and approaches for controlling, eliminating, and eradicating infectious diseases

2. Describe the epidemiologic and programmatic importance of the “Big Three” in global infectious disease: HIV, TB, and Malaria

3. Describe the characteristics of the NTDs and the benefits of identifying particular diseases as “neglected tropical diseases”.

4. Define the concepts of Control, Elimination, Eradication, and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in infectious disease.

5. Know WHO guidelines for managing the two top pediatric infectious disease killers globally

   1. Acute respiratory infections/pneumonia

   2. Diarrheal diseases:  Acute vs Persistent/Protozoal, Non-Bloody vs Bloody, WHO classification of dehydration, ORS and Zinc supplementation

6. For the Soil-Transmitted Helminths, explain the Pathogenic agent, vector, and lifecycle; Clinical presentation; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prevention and Programs

7. Apply UC/WK protocols to the management of patients with diarrhea, pneumonia, and scabies.

INSTRUCTIONS:  

This module is designed to introduce course participants to the epidemiology of infectious disease globally, as well as to the NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases).  In this module, participants will also learn about control/elimination/eradication of infectious diseases, treatment and MDA (Mass Drug Administration) for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), and general WHO guidelines for treatment of childhood pneumonia and diarrhea.  Finally, participants will complete three case simulations on diarrhea, pneumonia, and scabies, using the recommended references, which will be discussed during a case discussion session.

First, watch the "Introduction to Infectious Disease in Global Health" video (a PDF of the slides is provided for reference).  After watching the video, take your MODULE QUIZ, which will be automatically submitted to the course instructor.  This module should take around 1 hour to complete.  (Mosquito-borne infectious diseases is reviewed as a separate module that includes a deeper look at Malaria and Dengue. If you would like to learn more about other Tropical Diseases, please review the Module Extras.)

MODULE COMPONENTS:

• WATCH: Introduction to Infectious Disease in Global Health (Video; 30 minutes) (PDF of video PPT)

• QUIZ: Take the MODULE QUIZ when you have completed the above video.

• CASES: Complete this CASE-BASED QUIZ, using the references you are directed to with each case. We will discuss these cases during a live session for GH Course participants. For trip participants NOT participating in a GH Course, please submit the quiz more than a week before your trip/field experience. The Global Health Field Experience Notebook reference can be found on the Global Health Field Experiences page linked here, under the “Resources” section under “Evernote Notebook”. Key references include the following:

  • UC/WK Diarrhea Management Protocol

  • UC/WK Formulary 2020

  • MSF 2016 Handbook

  • IMCI Chartbook (Pneumonia Case)

MODULE EXTRAS (OPTIONAL):  

• Tropical Medicine Taxonomic DDX Overview (One-pager on Taxonomic DDX of tropical disease)

• Overview of the NTDs (Evernote from Global Health Field Experience Notebook)

• WHO NTD Roadmap 2012

• Disease Eradication (NEJM 2013)

• WHO NTD Preventive Chemotherapy MDA Guide