Course directory

OAFP 9675 - Health and Wealth: How to Think About Health Investments in the 21st Century

OAFP 9675 · Fall semester 2026-2027

Language of tuition
English
Course type
Cours séminaire
Number of hours
24
Credits
4

Information

Description

This course explores the interconnections between health and economic policies from a global and historical perspective. Drawing on over two centuries of experience, it examines how markets and governments have shaped health outcomes and access to care. Through case studies, empirical evidence, and policy analysis, students will develop an understanding of how investments in health contribute to human capital formation, economic growth, and social welfare. The course also considers how contemporary challenges, from pandemics to climate change, require new models of health investment and governance to promote both individual well-being and collective prosperity.

Assessment

 Class participation and discussion: 20%  Mid-term written exam): 40%  Final paper or presentation (policy brief or analytical essay: 40% Active engagement with readings and case materials is essential.

Readings

Main readings 5

  1. Deaton, Angus (2016). The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality. Princeton University Press.

  2. Jamison, Summers et al. (2024). Global Health 2050: The Path to Halving Premature Death by Mid-Century. The Lancet.

  3. Soucat, Agnes et al. (2019). Common Goods for Health. Health Systems Reform.

  4. WHO and World Bank (2019). Primary Health Care on the Road to Universal Health Coverage.

  5. World Bank (2004). World Development Report: Making Services Work for Poor People.

Further readings 5

  1. Hall P. A and Lamont M. (2009) Successful societies. Cambridge University Press.

  2. Nonvignon et al. (2024). Making Development Assistance Work for Africa: From Aid- Dependent Disease Control to the New Public Health Order.

  3. Papanicolas et al. (2022). Health System Performance Assessment: A Framework for Policy Analysis. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.

  4. Soucat, A., Scheffler, R., & Adhanom, G. (2013). Health Labor Markets in Africa. The World Bank.

  5. Whitmee A., Haines A et al Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on planetary health The Lancet

Teaching units

Unit no.Unit type Teaching unitsTeachers Number of hoursCredits
19969Cours séminaire Health and Wealth: How to Think About Health Investments in the 21st Century Agnès SOUCAT244

Teachers

  • Agnès SOUCAT