World Health Organization simulations: an increasingly popular learning tool for the development of future global health practitioners

Scenario-Based e-Simulation Design for Global Health Education: Theoretical Foundation and Practical Recommendations

Electronic simulation (e-simulation)-particularly scenario-based e-simulation (SBES)-is an increasingly used, promising educational strategy for global health education that can address gaps in training access, effectiveness, and cost. However, there is little guidance for educators on how to develop an SBES, and guidance is lacking outside the clinical context. Moreover, literature on medical education rarely uses the theoretical basis for e-simulation design and development, including for SBES. Hence, we aim to differentiate and describe the concept, design elements, and theoretical basis of SBES with examples from different topics in global health. In addition to enhancing the understanding of the potential of SBES for global health education, this manuscript also provides practical recommendations for global health educators in designing and developing SBESs based on the existing literature and authors' experiences. Overall, this manuscript will be useful for global health educators as well as other medical educators seeking to develop an SBES for similar skill sets.

Digital vaccine passports and digital health diplomacy: an online model WHO simulation

In the wake of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several nations have sought to implement digital vaccine passports (DVPs) to enable the resumption of international travel. Comprising a minimum dataset for each unique individual, DVPs have the makings of a global electronic health record, broaching key issues involved in building a global digital health ecosystem. Debate simulations offer a safe, interactive space to foster participatory policy discussions for advancing digital health diplomacy. This study used an online simulation of a Model World Health Assembly to critically analyze the sociotechnical issues associated with the global implementation of DVPs, and to generate useful insights and questions about the role of diplomacy in global digital health. The debate arguments addressed and provided insights into the technological, scientific, ethical, legal, policy, and societal aspects of DVPs. Reflecting on the simulation, we discuss its opportunities and challenges for the digitalization, decolonization, decentralization, and democratization of participatory policymaking.

Healthcare Provider Advocacy for Primary Health Care Strengthening: A Call for Action

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the backbone of health systems and a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage. In 2018, political commitment to PHC, including a comprehensive approach based on essential care throughout the lifespan, integrated public health functions, and community empowerment was reaffirmed by international stakeholders in Astana. As recent events exposed weaknesses of health care systems worldwide, growing attention has been paid to strengthening PHC. While the role of care providers as health advocates has been recognized, they may lack skills, opportunities, and resources to actively engage in advocacy. Particularly for PHC providers, guidance and tools on how to advocate to strengthen PHC are scarce. In this article, we review priority policy areas for PHC strengthening with relevance for several settings and health care systems and propose approaches to empower PHC providers—physician, non-physician, or informal PHC providers—to advocate for strengthening PHC in their countries by individual or collective action. We provide initial ideas for a stepwise advocacy strategy and recommendations for practical advocacy activities. Our aim is to initiate further discussion on how to strengthen health care provider driven advocacy for PHC and to encourage advocates in the field to reflect on their opportunities for local, national, and global action.