This course examines the key concepts and issues of health systems and policy from a global perspective and reflects on the recent global impact of the pandemic and various policy measures for pandemic preparedness and response. Health system and policy, such as financing, service delivery, workforce, and governance, are deeply embedded in the historical, political, and socioeconomic context of each country. This course explores the health (e.g., confirmed cases, fatality rates) and socioeconomic (e.g., economic growth, employment) consequences of COVID-19 as well as the pandemic’s impact on the vulnerable population (e.g., people with disabilities, refugees/immigrants) and gender equity across different stages of national development. In addition, the course analyzes the key characteristics and the role of health system and policy of each country in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this course introduces global efforts to respond to the pandemic crisis and discusses ethical issues that should be considered in formulating pandemic response policies and strategies.