Introduction to Global Health Law

This course offers an entry-level exploration of global health law and is designed specifically for non-law students. It complements other courses offered at the DLSPH and the University of Toronto exploring global health from social, political, ethical, or human rights perspectives, and offers students a distinctive focus on the relevance and utility of international law for global health. 

The course is organized into three modules: In module one, students are introduced to global health law and its emerging definitions and scope. They will consider the history of this field and key global health law institutions and actors. They will focus on the World Health Organization as a key global health law institution. They will consider critiques of international human rights law from various perspectives. In module two, students will explore key domains of global health law in relation to infectious disease, human rights, non-communicable disease, and trade and intellectual property rights. In module three, students will consider current and emerging challenges including: sustainable development and universal health coverage, climate change, humanitarian law, and the regulation of transnational corporations.