This is an advanced level seminar course taught by two highly experienced public health researchers with special expertise in infectious diseases. It focuses on areas of active controversy regarding past and current eradication/control campaigns. This class will consider the biological, epidemiological, sociological, political, ethical, and programmatic features that allowed the smallpox eradication campaign to succeed. Other diseases that are currently candidates for global eradication campaigns that will be covered in this class include polio, measles, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and dracunculiasis. Public health policy decisions ultimately rest on basic and clinical scientific research. This course approaches this topic through a series of focused readings drawn from the primary scientific literature. Our goal is to prepare students to better participate in these debates themselves.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.