Global Public Health

Improving population health in low, middle and high income countries

Our research aims to identify important public health problems, to find creative solutions to them, and to evaluate the solutions to see whether and how they work. We do this in collaboration with our global networks of academic researchers and institutions, their clinical, governmental and private sector partners, and the World Health Organisation.  We use a variety of interdisciplinary research methods, especially epidemiology, clinical trials, health economics, and social and behavioural sciences.

Strengthening primary healthcare

Our research stretches across Africa, Asia and South America. We evaluate innovative educational methods for improving the clinical skills of frontline primary healthcare professionals, and new methods of organising and delivering primary health care for long term conditions. By showing that these health service interventions are effective, cost-effective, acceptable and feasible, and by engaging with governmental partners, we promote their large scale uptake within individual countries and internationally.

Extreme weather events

The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as super typhoons, droughts and major flood events, are increasing globally. Such events have serious adverse impacts on affected societies. Health services and public health can be devastated after such events, with fatalities and substantial destruction of property. We are leading a international consortium of researchers including colleagues from the UK, Vietnam, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi whose objective is to help facilities in low-income countries plan for, cope with and recover from such Extreme Weather Events

Gastrointestinal infections

Paul Hunter is the director of the UK’s NIHR Health Protection Research Unit on Gastrointestinal Infections. The unit is led from UEA and is partnered with the UK Health Security Agency, Quadram Institute and Newcastle University. It has five themes:

• Developing and evaluating diagnostics,

• Improving surveillance of gastrointestinal infections and early detection of outbreaks

• Improving the evidence base for prevention of gastrointestinal infections

• Whole genome sequencing for reducing disease burden from gastrointestinal infection

• Pandemic preparedness and emerging gastrointestinal infection

We are also working on the understanding the health risks associated with bathing in wastewater contaminated inland waters working towards determining the disease burden that could be caused by immersion in these waters. We also do research on border security issues on importation of infectious diseases from other countries.

Global burden of disease

We use data from the Global Burden of Disease Study to quantify morbidity and mortality in different countries and compare differing exposures to risk factors over time. Our research has shown the benefits of healthy diets and physical activity, and the international importance of policies to ensure access to affordable health services and tackle the commercial determinants of poor health.

Physical activity

Our research spans the behavioural epidemiological framework. We do studies on the measurement of physical activity and the links between physical activity and health, as well as studies into the factors that influence physical activity behaviour, and what can be done to support populations to be more physically active.

Human nutrition evidence

Our research focuses on supporting evidence about nutrition with the World Health Organization and about hydration for older adults through international collaborations.  Our work with WHO spans developing the evidence base by conducting high quality systematic reviews to address questions raised by WHO and working collaboratively to craft world guidance.  Our hydration research spans primary research with older adults through to implementation work in the community, and long-term care locally and in Brazil, and to European, Brazilian and UK guidance.

Thinking about a PhD?

Are you considering your next steps in research and would like to know about opportunities to work with us? Have a look at our showcase themes and research projects to find out about what we do, and get in touch with us to discuss your ideas.