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ONE HEALTH: PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE TROPICS (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: San Ignacio, Belize
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: C.E.L.A. Belize 
Program Description:
ONE HEALTH: PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE TROPICS

Gain a One Health perspective in this four-week program in tropical Belize.
In this four-week program in tropical Belize, you will be introduced to the field of One Health. One Health brings those who work on human, animal, and environmental health together to study shared health threats. This course is a great fit for students interested in public health, global health, veterinary medicine, human medicine, or conservation biology.

For the first two weeks, you will learn about large animal medicine and livestock systems, gaining insight into the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. During the second two weeks, you will be introduced to key issues in the field of global health through a combination of lecture and field-based instruction.

During your four weeks, there will also be plenty of time to have some travel fun and get to know Belize, a multicultural, biodiverse Central American country that borders the Caribbean Sea. There will be organized excursions and free time, where you may choose to explore the town market, hit the beach, or just relax with fellow program participants.

Large Animal Veterinary Practice in the Tropics (weeks 1 and 2):
Featured topics explored in the field:
  • Animal diseases
  • Selection
  • Nutrition
  • Reproduction
  • Livestock management
  • Animal anatomy and physiology
  • Animal agriculture economy
  • Animal research
Highlights:
  • Learn hands-on veterinary examination techniques
  • Analyze specimens in a laboratory
  • Participate in a free small animal clinic
  • Visit working ranches and farms
  • Option to participate in a beach trip
  • Free time to explore Belize
Global Perspectives in Health (weeks 3 and 4):

Featured topics explored in the field:
  • Social determinants of health
  • Vectorborne and zoonotic diseases
  • Nutrition and global health
  • Waterborne and foodborne illness
  • Environmental health
  • Communicable disease
  • Control of disease
  • Public health policy
  • Non-communicable diseases and injuries (global impact)
Highlights:
  • Overview of the Belizean health system and the Belizean Ministry of Health
  • Field visits with community health workers
  • Visit to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority lab
  • Meetings with national and international healthcare organizations
  • Lectures by experts in indigenous health
  • Visit to a medicinal garden with a local healer
  • Tour of San Ignacio and its town market
  • A guided tour of the Xunantunich Maya site
  • Free time to independently explore Belize