Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

58 In Brazil, both the National School of Public Health/Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro (ENSP/Fiocruz in Spanish) and the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Sao Paulo (FSP/USP in Spanish) engage in Global Health activities. The first course on “Global Health and Diplomacy” was held in 2009 by ENSP/Fiocruz, emphasizing the impact of globalization on health and international cooperation in Brazilian health policies. Recently, ENSP/Fiocruz implemented a diploma course and a professional master’s program in Global Health. At the same time, the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Sao Paulo offered its first Global Health course on “Bioethics and Global Health” in 2012 and has been offering a Ph.D. program on Global Health and Sustainability since 2013. A brief overview of Global Health education in Latin American universities shows its unique characteristics compared to education in North America and some European countries. First, the courses mainly focus on the effects of globalization on population health and the health policies and systems of the countries offering them. Critical thinking and analysis of institutional frameworks and dominant power structures in contemporary society are prioritized. Second, the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) enables remote learning and reaches a broader audience. Most courses target graduate students in public health and professionals interested in continuing education, with undergraduate teaching being an area for expansion. Interinstitutional and international collaboration are prominent features of Global Health education in our region (Solimano et al., 2013). In the realm of research, the progression of Global Health has been somewhat sluggish, marked by a lack of distinct identity regarding research lines and a substantial cohort of dedicated researchers. Notably, the INSP in Mexico stands out as the institution exhibiting the most significant advancements in this domain as it delineates projects with a distinct “Global Health” focus that emanates from various research centers within the institute. Meanwhile, the FSP/USP has outlined two specific research lines within the Global Health ambit, and the UPCH has garnered support from the Fogarty International Center for its ongoing research initiatives. However, at the University of Chile, several proposals submitted for international funding from diverse organizations either await approval or are currently under review. The formation of alliances, associations and networks has facilitated the establishment of collaborative relationships that were inconceivable in Latin America just 20 years ago. They are part of globalization and, when used effectively, can contribute significantly to the social and economic development of our societies. Health is not an exception in this scenario. The Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of Global Health, created in