A new suite of interactive case studies gives participants hands-on practice with global health issues affecting the planet’s populations.

The web-based, interactive case studies, developed by UCGHI’s Planetary Health Center of Expertise (PHCOE), are a resource for educators and students. “Educators are welcome to use these case studies in their classrooms,” said PHCOE Co-director Woutrina Smith.  “I encourage students around the world to use them to sharpen critical thinking skills in the context of global health.”

The case studies feature issues that affect the global systems of land, air, water and life – the focus of the emerging field of Planetary Health – and promote a One Health analysis of problems that affect humans, animals and the environment.

The first featured case study, Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, transports the reader to the Virunga Mountains in East Africa to help solve a real-life animal, human and ecosystem health problem.

“This case uses a One Health transdisciplinary approach to address complex and interconnected concerns for human, animal and ecosystem well-being,” explained Smith. “It links to planetary health ideas by promoting conservation via a charismatic wildlife species and community engagement.”

More case studies can be found on UCGHI’s Education Resources page. Journey to Kenya and apply One Health solutions to the negative impacts of declining water quantity and quality in the Njoro River watershed - or head to the Congo basin to investigate a novel pathogen outbreak.  

Additional case studies will be added in the coming months – students and educators are encouraged to check back for more opportunities to learn by doing.