Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies from Coursera

The Center for Humanitarian Emergencies is a partnership between CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch and the Rollins School of Public Health that drives global collaboration, research and evidence based training to improve the lives and well-being of populations impacted by humanitarian emergencies.

- Center for Humanitarian Emergencies: http://www.che.emory.edu/

- CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch: http://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/errb/index.html

This course covers the technical and management principles that are the basis of planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs for acutely displaced populations in developing countries. The emphasis is on refugees in camp situations. The course includes modules on assessment, nutrition, epidemiology of major health problems, surveillance, and program management in the context of an international relief operation.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Describe a complex humanitarian crisis in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.

2. Calculate basic epidemiology measures.

3. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiological data within the context of CHE.

4. Develop public health programs and strategies responsive to the diverse cultural values and traditions of the community being served.

5. Identify internal and external problems that may affect the delivery of essential public health services in a CHE.

6. Identify the different technical areas in a public health response in CHEs.

What's inside

Syllabus

Setting the Stage: Refugees, Displaced Persons, Conflict, and Complex Emergencies

Defining complex humanitarian emergencies, the top priorities and response, and main actors involved.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches technical and management principles for health programs in developing for acutely displaced populations

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in humanitarian emergencies

Describes health programs that are responsive to the diverse cultural values and traditions of refugees

Taught in partnership with CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch

Focuses on health programs for refugees in camp situations

Prerequisites may be required

Reviews summary

Health in humanitarian emergencies overview

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in understanding health challenges within complex humanitarian emergencies. Learners appreciate the comprehensive overview of key topics like nutrition, disease control, and program management. While it offers a strong introduction to the field, students note that the course is primarily theoretical and serves best as a starting point. For those seeking practical application or deep expertise, additional study or field experience would be necessary. Overall, it's considered a valuable introductory resource.

Serves as a starting point, not the final word.

"This course is clearly an introduction; you'll need more training or experience after this."

"Think of this as a solid first step into the world of humanitarian health."

"I wouldn't feel ready to deploy after this course, but I know where to start learning more."

Strong on principles, less on hands-on practice.

"While the theory is solid, I felt the course could use more real-world case studies or simulations."

"It's great for principles, but don't expect deep dives into how to implement programs on the ground."

"Good overview of concepts, less focus on the practical tools and day-to-day challenges."

Covers major areas listed in the syllabus.

"The course covers all the key areas like nutrition, WASH, and disease control, which is great."

"I appreciated getting an overview of assessment, epi, and program management."

"It really does cover a lot of ground, touching on all the essential components of an emergency health response."

Provides essential principles for emergency health.

"This course gave me a solid understanding of the core concepts in humanitarian health."

"I feel much better prepared to grasp the basic principles of health response in emergencies."

"It lays out a really good foundation for anyone new to this complex field."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies with these activities:

Watch videos on refugee crises

Show steps

Watching videos on refugee crises can provide a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees face and the work being done to help them.

Browse courses on Refugees

Show steps

Search for videos on refugee crises
Watch the videos
Take notes on the key points

Review Epidemiology

Show steps

Review basic epidemiological concepts to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

Show steps

Read introductory chapters in a textbook
Review online resources
Complete practice exercises

Review Refugee Crisis Basics

Show steps

By reviewing the basics of the humanitarian emergencies and refugee crises, you can better understand the challenges and complexities involved in responding to these crises.

Show steps

Read the UNHCR website to learn about the definition of a refugee and the current refugee crisis.
Watch a documentary on the refugee crisis.
Volunteer at a local refugee center.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Calculate basic epidemiology measures

Show steps

Calculating basic epidemiology measures is an essential skill for public health professionals working in humanitarian emergencies.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

Show steps

Review the basic concepts of epidemiology
Find a dataset on refugee health
Calculate the measures of disease frequency, such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality
Interpret the results

Learn About Health Programming in Humanitarian Crises

Show steps

By learning about health programming in humanitarian crises, you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective health programs in these settings.

Browse courses on Humanitarian Crises

Show steps

Take an online course on health programming in humanitarian crises.
Read the Sphere Handbook on Humanitarian Standards.

Develop a Health Program Proposal for a Humanitarian Crisis

Show steps

By developing a health program proposal, you can put into practice the knowledge and skills you have learned about health programming in humanitarian crises.

Browse courses on Humanitarian Crisis

Show steps

Identify a specific humanitarian crisis to focus on.
Conduct a needs assessment to identify the health needs of the population.
Design a health program that meets the needs of the population.
Write a health program proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Humanitarian Program Manager

Humanitarian Program Managers are in charge of planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs in refugee camps and other emergency settings. This course covers all the topics necessary for success in this career, from assessing the needs of a population to managing a team of aid workers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Humanitarian Program Manager

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease outbreaks, including in humanitarian emergencies. They use this information to develop and implement strategies to prevent and control disease. This course provides a strong foundation in epidemiology, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Physician

Public Health Physicians work to improve the health of communities, including in humanitarian emergencies. They develop and implement policies and programs to prevent and control disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve access to healthcare. This course provides a strong foundation in public health principles, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Physician

Data Manager

Data Managers play a critical role in humanitarian emergencies by ensuring accurate and reliable data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform decision-making. This course provides a foundation in the principles of epidemiology and public health, which are essential for effective data management in humanitarian contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Manager

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Monitoring and Evaluation Officers track the progress of humanitarian programs and evaluate their effectiveness. They use this information to improve program implementation and ensure that resources are used efficiently. This course provides a strong foundation in program evaluation methods and principles, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Communications Manager

Communications Managers play a crucial role in humanitarian emergencies by ensuring accurate information is shared with affected populations and the wider world. They also develop and implement communication strategies to promote public health and prevent the spread of disease. This course provides a foundation in the principles of public health communication, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Refugee Protection Officer

Refugee Protection Officers provide protection and assistance to refugees and other displaced persons. They work to ensure that refugees have access to their rights, and that they are not discriminated against or persecuted. This course provides a foundation in refugee protection, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Refugee Protection Officer

Disaster Management Consultant

Disaster Management Consultants travel to areas impacted by disasters to provide guidance to the government and humanitarian aid organizations on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This course may be useful for learning how to execute and evaluate health programs in the deployment of emergency response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Management Consultant

Water and Sanitation Engineer

Water and Sanitation Engineers design and implement water and sanitation systems in humanitarian emergencies. They ensure that people have access to clean water and sanitation, which are essential for preventing the spread of disease. This course provides a foundation in water and sanitation, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water and Sanitation Engineer

Environmental Health Officer

Environmental Health Officers assess and control environmental hazards in humanitarian emergencies. They ensure that people have access to safe water, food, and shelter, and that the environment is not contaminated with hazardous substances. This course provides a foundation in environmental health, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Officer

Psychologist

Psychologists provide mental health support to victims of humanitarian emergencies. They help people to cope with trauma, grief, and loss, and to develop strategies for resilience. This course provides a foundation in mental health, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Social Worker

Social Workers provide social support to victims of humanitarian emergencies. They help people to access food, shelter, and other basic necessities, and to connect with family and friends. This course provides a foundation in social work, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Nutritionist

Nutritionists ensure that victims of humanitarian emergencies have access to adequate nutrition. They assess the nutritional needs of populations, develop and implement feeding programs, and monitor the nutritional status of individuals. This course provides a foundation in nutrition, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts analyze health-related data, including data gathered in humanitarian crises, to conduct research on the effectiveness of health policies and to make recommendations for changes. This course may be useful for building a foundation in health program design and evaluation for complex humanitarian emergencies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Emergency Logistics Coordinator

Emergency Logistics Coordinators work to ensure healthcare materials, food, and other necessary resources are effectively delivered, and that transportation is provided to affected parties. This role has a strong focus on logistics and supply management. This course may be useful for developing skills in program management in a complex emergency context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Logistics Coordinator