Exploring global health governance: PM 589 in Geneva

After a four-year hiatus, the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, whose faculty are based in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC, offered PM 589: Global Health Governance and Diplomacy in Practice once again this past spring. The course, which begins in Los Angeles and culminates with two weeks in Geneva, Switzerland offers students immersive, hands-on experiences in real-world high-level global health forums, conversations, and events.

Through PM589, 11 Master of Public Health students were able to investigate the inner workings and public spaces where health is organized, debated, and administered at the global level. They witnessed and participated in the dynamic interplay of diplomacy, governance, policymaking, and advocacy, guided by Institute director Sofia Gruskin, JD, MIA, distinguished professor of population and public health sciences, and research director Laura Ferguson, PhD, associate professor of population and public health sciences and spatial sciences, with administrative support from Caroline Diamond, project specialist at the Institute. This approach to learning reflects a commitment to preparing students for the complexities of global health challenges, now and in the future.

Students met with major global health organizations and participated in side-events related to the 77^th World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. They were not just observers but active participants in organizational briefings — asking questions, participating in scenario training, and analyzing data. Students gained firsthand insight from leaders at organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which aims to increase global vaccination access.

Students met with many departments of the World Health Organization; with the Sexual Rights Initiative, a coalition working to advance human rights related to sexual health in United Nations forums; and with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, a global partnership dedicated to eradicating these diseases and ensuring a healthier, more equitable future. Arina Megerdichian, a Master of Public Health student, explained, “conversations with the various representatives of intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, Ministries of Health, and even the US Department of Health & Human Services Office of Global Affairs highlighted the complexities of navigating policy and advocacy amid growing geopolitical tensions, but also introduced the possibility of contributing to global change.” Student visits also included Sanitation and Water for All, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Commission of Jurists, the World Trade Organization, Intersex Australia, UNAIDS, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Conversations with organization leaders were honest, reflective, and inspiring, providing students with substantial knowledge and insights into the motivations of those dedicated to advancing health and human rights. As Dean Madera, a Master of Public Health student, reflected on this opportunity, he said, “With so many topics and issues on the global stage, it was easy to feel like what you want to advocate for is a solitary journey, but being in that environment taught me that all it takes is finding a single person with the same passion to breathe renewed life into your own advocacy.”

Students also supported World Health Assembly side-events and provided reporting for both the NCD Alliance and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Their direct involvement in these activities allowed them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, learning first-hand the logistics that go into organizing events, and the importance of reporting out accurately on event proceedings.

Pushing boundaries in the face of opposition was a key theme throughout the course – including in conversations with leaders who shared strategies for remaining persistent and dedicated even in challenging times. As a new addition to the course, students were given the amazing opportunity to meet with high-ranking U.S. government officials, including Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs in the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and Stephanie Psaki, United States Coordinator for Global Health Security. Students found both conversations incredibly enriching, with both Assistant Secretary Pace and Stephanie Psaki sharing not only their policy priorities at the World Health Assembly, but their professional journeys and passion for public service. Iris Martinez, a Master of Public Health student, said, “PM 589 was empowering because we had the opportunity to learn from global health leaders and witness firsthand how international organizations work with each other to protect health and human rights throughout the world. Most importantly, it was humbling to learn that we all can be global health leaders and advocates – all it takes is fighting for what you believe in and continuing to advocate for that belief no matter the challenges and oppositions ahead.”

And, of course, students had a lot of fun in Geneva! The two weeks flew by, filled with group meals, walks through beautiful parks, and even dancing. Students compiled their stories and insights into Instagram reels. Their social media contributions are a testament to the friendships, laughter, and learning that occurred throughout the hands-on, experiential course in Geneva. The Institute hopes to invite a new cohort of USC students to join faculty and staff for this transformative experience in spring 2025.