The Changing Landscape of Global Child Health Education in the United States and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Civil Unrest

Pediatr Ann. 2023 Sep;52(9):e324-e329. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20230720-02. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Abstract

The events of recent years have affected the landscape of global child health education (GCHE) in the United States. War, racism, forced displacement, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had global repercussions that reached US GCHE. The aim of this article is to examine the effect of these events on the landscape of GCHE in the US. Key areas of GCHE have been reframed, reshaped, and accelerated by these events. Travel restrictions accelerated virtual learning opportunities. Core curriculum needed to be reconsidered to address antiracism, equity, and decolonization. Expansion of GCHE activities, including local-global electives, was needed to meet increased resident demand and help address local community needs. Inequities in international partnerships were further highlighted, requiring new approaches. Global research education and practices were also affected with a rapid expansion in virtual opportunities and further development of education in equitable research practices. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(9):e324-e329.].

MeSH terms

  • Antiracism
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • United States / epidemiology