This course gives an introduction to the health status of women and children in different contexts worldwide. In this course, “women’s and children’s health” refers to the health of all women, infants, children of all ages, adolescents, and families. Each week will focus on a different issue in women’s and children’s health, presenting some of the major causes of mortality and morbidity and giving students the opportunity to discuss the most recent data, priorities and debates, and the current policy and programmes to improve health outcomes. Issues covered include health care services, poverty, gender-based violence, cultural practices, contraception and family planning, maternal health, early-age mortality (neonatal, infant, under-five), nutrition, HIV and malaria and pregnancy, and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness. At the end of the course, students will gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of women's and children's health and reflect on the importance of the life course approach for women and children for advancing the global health agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.