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Case studies for Section 11, Health Systems and Aid.
Juma et al., Brain Drain of Health Professionals in Tanzania
This excellent case outlines the issues surrounding brain drain globally, with a particular focus on Tanzania. It works very well paired with the Wendland selection (Reading 38). It could also be used paired with the Sue et al. case on medical education in Tanzania listed below.
Kleinman et al., The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) of Uganda
Students learn about community health work through the successful Ugandan nongovernmental organization (NGO) TASO. The case covers issues of NGO–government coordination, as well as funding and management.
Kristen Lundberg, Credible Voice: WHO-Beijing and the SARS Crisis
In this case study, students consider the political complexities that a World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Beijing must navigate when deciding what action to take at the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis. This case can help students understand the role of the WHO in global health and the importance of politics in disease control efforts.
Madore et al., Political Leadership in South Africa: National Health Insurance
Students learn about the political complexities surrounding the rollout of national health insurance in South Africa. This program had the goal of achieving universal health coverage. This case can be particularly useful for American students, who may not be familiar with the concept of national health insurance programs.
May and Rhatigan, BRAC’s Tuberculosis Program: Pioneering DOTS Treatment for TB in Rural Bangladesh
In this case, students learn about BRAC’s groundbreaking Directly Observed Therapy, Short-Course (DOTS) program, including female community health workers delivering DOTS treatment. They also learn about other BRAC programs, including microfinance. Students consider how to adapt the program to significantly different contexts in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a follow-up case on BRAC’s urban TB program in Dhaka.
Eric Smalley, Swaziland, HIV and Option B+: What Can We Afford?
In this case, students take the perspective of the Swaziland Ministry of Health, weighing options for HIV control with limited resources. Students learn about issues of relationships with donors and of adapting international guidelines to local realities.
This case examines the Tanzanian Training Center for International Health, a model designed to alleviate health workforce problems in Tanzania. Students consider issues of funding, sustainability and health workforce training.
Talbot et al., Iran’s Triangular Clinic
This case describes the Iranian health system and a clinic that addresses the linked issues of HIV and drug use in marginalized populations. Students consider how the clinic could be integrated into the national primary health care system.