Global Public Health Unit

Unit Lead Megan Clinch

The Global Public Health Unit's research and teaching activity is focused on understanding and acting on the social determinants of health in a global context. It aims to be socially engaged and is rooted in a commitment to social justice. We are a truly interdisciplinary team which includes anthropology, medicine, sociology, political and international relations, epidemiology, economics, and public health. We run a vibrant programme of undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees and conduct research and consultancy work funded by organisations including the Medical Research Council and the Newton Fund, National Institute of Health Research, Wellcome Trust, European Union, United National Population Fund, UK Climate Resilience Programme and Barts Charity. We also seek to support our local population and health system through a range of education, research, and impact activities.

Research, taught postgraduate (onsite and online) and undergraduate degrees in Global Public Health.
Health Systems, Policies and Programs: Focusing on global health policies and the 'pillars' of health systems worldwide – health financing, human resources, pharmaceutical markets.
Planetary Health: Social determinants of climate adaptation/resilience, international cooperation on climate change, research with communities facing environmental change, sexual & reproductive rights.
Community Engagement and Action: Often in collaboration with our students, research and evaluation support for local organisations, a commitment to learning with the public to act on health inequalities.
Exploring approaches to modify the ‘upstream’ determinants of health in order to improve the health and prospects of children and reduce inequalities.

Ongoing research:

COVER-ME ( Covid Vaccine Coverage among underserved populations: Developing and evaluating community based interventions in East London minority ethnic (ME) backgrounds.

This study examines people's experiences and decision-making related to COVID-19 vaccines in the communities of Tower Hamlets and Newham boroughs of East London. The information gained from individual and group discussions will be used to develop an intervention that can support awareness and decisions regarding getting vaccinated.

Funder: Barts Charity

Chief investigator: Dr Dominik Zenner

Research team: Tahreem Chaudhry, Patricia Tum and Farjana Islam

THE GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT TEAM