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Adrienne Testa, Karl Blanchet, Jessica Petz, ludovica ghilardi, Lauren D'Mello-Guyett, Christine Cé, and Jonathan Wong

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course will be particularly relevant to healthcare practitioners and NGO staff, especially those in low- and middle-income countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. It will also be valuable to individuals studying health or development and to anyone with an interest in the challenges of delivering healthcare in a crisis setting. You can use the hashtag #FLHealthCrises to talk about this course on social media.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course will be particularly relevant to healthcare practitioners and NGO staff, especially those in low- and middle-income countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. It will also be valuable to individuals studying health or development and to anyone with an interest in the challenges of delivering healthcare in a crisis setting. You can use the hashtag #FLHealthCrises to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The main health needs of populations in humanitarian crises
  • Cross-cutting health issues, such as disability, the elderly, and women and girls
  • The challenges of healthcare delivery in crisis situations
  • Humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms, and codes of conduct
  • Data collection, response planning, and prioritisation of health interventions
  • Sector-specific health interventions, including mental health, NCDs, sexual health, and nutrition
  • Ethical considerations around conducting research, evidence-informed decision making, and evaluating health programmes
  • Historic, current, and emerging trends in humanitarian health
  • Ideas surrounding the future of humanitarianism
  • Current innovations in humanitarian action.

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive guide to humanitarian health challenges

According to learners, this course offers a highly comprehensive and relevant overview of health in humanitarian crises. Students praised its well-structured modules, expert insights, and real-world case studies that effectively illustrate complex issues. Many found the content on ethical considerations, coordination mechanisms, and specific health interventions particularly invaluable and directly applicable to their work. While providing a robust foundational understanding ideal for those new to the field, a few experienced professionals noted it was more theoretical than practical for advanced learners. Minor feedback included desire for more recent updates and occasional inconsistent video quality or broken external links.
Delivered by knowledgeable instructors with authoritative insights.
"I particularly appreciated the diverse range of expert speakers and the real-world case studies, which brought the complex issues to life."
"The instructors were knowledgeable and presented the material clearly. I gained a much deeper appreciation for the coordination efforts required..."
"Absolutely brilliant course from LSHTM. The content is authoritative, well-researched, and critically important."
Ideal for building a solid understanding of humanitarian health.
"Excellent course for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of health in crisis settings. The structure is logical..."
"I gained a much deeper appreciation for the coordination efforts required and the ethical dilemmas involved. Highly recommend for both beginners..."
"Overall, a strong course providing a robust foundation in humanitarian health. The coverage of cross-cutting issues like disability and gender was particularly strong..."
Provides a broad and relevant understanding of humanitarian health.
"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive overview of health in humanitarian crises. The content was highly relevant..."
"The depth of coverage on various health needs and specific interventions like mental health and nutrition was impressive."
"As an NGO worker, I found the information on humanitarian principles and coordination mechanisms directly applicable to my work."
"It's a foundational course that covers a vast array of topics, from disease outbreaks to natural disasters, always with a focus on health."
Some older materials may need updating for current relevance.
"Some of the content could benefit from more recent updates on emerging trends, though it remains highly relevant."
"The video quality for some lectures was also a bit inconsistent."
"The course material is generally high quality, though some visuals felt a little dated. Some external links provided for further reading were broken..."
Offers strong theory but may lack hands-on application for experienced professionals.
"I felt it lacked practical application for experienced professionals. I was hoping for more hands-on scenarios or detailed strategies..."
"It's great for those new to the humanitarian sector, but perhaps less so for those with years of experience looking for advanced insights."
"While it gives a good overview, I felt the practical takeaways were limited for someone already in the field. It's more theoretical than practical..."

Career center

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

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Health in Humanitarian Crises.
Comprehensive handbook on healthcare management, covering topics such as the organization of healthcare systems, the financing of healthcare, and the delivery of care. It is helpful for advanced students, researchers, and policymakers who are interested in healthcare management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of bioethics. It covers a wide range of topics, including the ethics of research, the ethics of clinical care, and the ethics of public health.
Provides a set of standards for program evaluation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to ensure that their evaluations are rigorous and credible.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of ethics. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of ethics, the different theories of ethics, and the application of ethics to real-world problems.
Considered a classic and a must-read in the field, this reader provides a comprehensive overview of key theoretical approaches and essential writings in disability studies. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and is invaluable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge across various disciplines related to disability. The most recent editions include contemporary perspectives.
This foundational textbook widely used in nutrition and dietetics programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the nutrition care process, covering assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring and evaluation. It is an essential reference for students and professionals, offering evidence-based guidelines for nutritional care across the lifespan and for various conditions.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the research process, covering everything from formulating a research question to presenting findings. It's an excellent starting point for high school and undergraduate students to gain a broad understanding of what research entails. It is widely used as a textbook in introductory research and writing courses. The latest edition incorporates contemporary research practices and the use of digital tools.
A must-read for understanding the development of disability studies as a field. provides a strong foundation by arguing for disability as a social and political identity. It is essential for students and professionals seeking to understand the shift from a medical to a social model of disability.
A foundational text in research methods, this book offers a clear and accessible comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. It's crucial for undergraduate and graduate students to deepen their understanding of different research paradigms and design choices. is commonly used as a core textbook in research methods courses across various disciplines. The fifth edition provides updated discussions on research proposals and ethical considerations.
Delves into contemporary topics by exploring the concept of disability justice, particularly centering the experiences of queer, trans, Black, and brown disabled people. It provides a deeper understanding of the intersections of disability with other social justice movements. This is valuable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in critical disability studies and activism.
Provides a historical account of the disability rights movement in the United States, highlighting the activism and efforts of disabled people in fighting for their rights. It classic text for understanding the history and political struggles of the disability community.
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Offers a broad historical understanding of disability in the United States, tracing its evolution and the experiences of disabled people through different eras. It provides essential background knowledge for anyone studying disability from a historical or social science perspective.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evaluation process, from planning to implementation to reporting. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about evaluation.
Examines the global refugee regime and its role in responding to humanitarian crises, exploring the challenges and opportunities for improving protection and assistance for refugees.
Examines the challenges of providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones. It provides a detailed analysis of the legal and ethical issues involved, and it offers practical guidance on how to navigate the complex terrain of armed conflict. The author former UN humanitarian official with extensive experience in conflict zones.
Explores the critical link between nutrition and sustainable food systems, addressing the environmental and social impacts of food production and consumption. It's essential for understanding contemporary issues in global nutrition.
Crucial read for understanding the international disability rights movement and the concept of self-advocacy. It provides a historical and global perspective on disability oppression and the fight for empowerment. It valuable resource for students and activists alike.
Provides a historical account of discriminatory laws that prohibited people with apparent disabilities from appearing in public. It offers a deep understanding of the historical roots of ableism and segregation. This classic text for understanding the history of disability rights and discrimination.
The authoritative style guide for a wide range of academic disciplines, this manual must-read for anyone writing research papers, theses, or dissertations. It provides essential guidelines for formatting, citation, and scholarly communication. It standard reference tool and often required textbook in academic programs. The 7th edition includes updated guidance for online sources and accessibility.
Examines the concept of 'cure' and its implications from a disability perspective. It offers a critical look at societal attitudes towards disability and the desire to 'fix' disabled bodies. This valuable read for deepening understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of disability.
This handbook offers evidence-based guidance for health professionals working with athletes. It covers timely research and practical information on fueling for performance, recovery, and various sports. It key reference in the field of sports nutrition.
This guide provides students with an introduction to the key ethical considerations and challenges in research. It covers topics such as academic integrity, data management, consent, and responsible conduct of research. It crucial read for all students undertaking research to understand their ethical obligations. The third edition offers updated case studies and discussions.
Delves into the theoretical underpinnings of disability studies, offering a more advanced exploration of key concepts and debates within the field. It is suitable for graduate-level students and researchers seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding of disability.
Dives into a contemporary topic by examining ableism within the context of higher education. It is highly relevant for students and professionals in education and highlights systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals in academic settings.
A recent publication that engages with contemporary topics and future possibilities from a disability justice perspective. It offers insights into building resilient communities and imagining a more inclusive future. is valuable for those interested in the ongoing evolution of disability activism and theory.
This sourcebook is an in-depth guide to the process of analyzing qualitative data, offering a wide range of methods and techniques. It is essential for graduate students and researchers conducting qualitative studies to deepen their analytical skills. The fourth edition includes updated visual displays and significantly revised chapters, making it a valuable reference tool.
Explores the ethical and social implications of data science through an intersectional feminist lens. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions in research regarding bias, power, and inequality in data collection, analysis, and representation. It's a must-read for researchers working with data who want to engage with critical perspectives and consider the social impact of their work.
Definitive guide to conducting case study research, a widely used qualitative methodology. It covers the design, conduct, and analysis of case studies with numerous examples. It's an essential resource for researchers utilizing or planning to use case study methodology. The sixth edition integrates applications to show how the methods are implemented in practice.
Focuses specifically on mixed methods research, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. It provides a detailed understanding of the designs and procedures involved in conducting mixed methods studies. It key resource for researchers interested in or conducting studies using this increasingly popular approach. The third edition offers updated examples and guidance.
Focused on critically appraising research literature, this book is particularly useful for students and professionals in health sciences and related fields. It provides practical guidance on understanding research papers and evaluating their validity and relevance. The 6th edition offers updated discussions on various study types and biases.
Critically examines the role of humanitarian intervention in responding to humanitarian crises, questioning its effectiveness and exploring the ethical and political challenges it raises.
This collection explores contemporary topics by analyzing the intersection of disability and design history. It provides a unique perspective on how designed objects and spaces shape understandings of ability and disability. is valuable for those interested in the material culture and historical context of disability.
A practical guide focusing specifically on the crucial task of conducting a literature review. is highly relevant for students at all levels who need to master the process of searching, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research. It serves as a useful reference tool throughout a research project. The latest edition covers both traditional and systematic approaches.
Primer on healthcare delivery, covering topics such as the organization of healthcare systems, the financing of healthcare, and the delivery of care. It is helpful for physicians and healthcare executives who want to understand the healthcare system and improve the delivery of care.
Offers an overview of the U.S. health care system, with a focus on the delivery of care. It is helpful for understanding the major components of the healthcare system and their interactions with one another.
This textbook offers a broad introduction to the principles of human nutrition, covering basic biology, nutrient requirements, and the impact of nutrition on health and disease. It's suitable for students new to the field and provides a solid base for further study.
Focused on writing in scientific disciplines, this book provides practical strategies for clear, concise, and effective scientific communication. It is essential for students and professionals in science and technical fields who need to publish their research. It serves as a useful reference for improving writing skills. The fourth edition offers updated content and examples.
Explores the portrayal of disability in fairy tales and its impact on cultural perceptions. It offers a unique perspective on how narratives shape our understanding of disability and the importance of creating space for disabled characters and stories. This valuable read for understanding cultural representations of disability.
Examines the impact of traditional diets on health and genetics, combining modern science with ancestral eating patterns. It offers insights into how dietary choices can influence gene expression and long-term health.
Provides an accessible overview of essential research methods, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is suitable for beginners and undergraduate students needing a broad understanding of the fundamentals of research. The 11th edition includes updated content and visual aids to enhance learning.
Delves into the hidden factors that influence our eating habits, drawing on research in behavioral economics. It's highly relevant for understanding why we make the food choices we do and offers practical tips for mindful eating.
This engaging book critically examines the misuse and misrepresentation of science and statistics in the media and by various claims. It helps readers develop critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate research findings and understand the importance of robust methodology. While not a methods textbook, it's a valuable supplementary read for anyone engaging with research or scientific information.
This memoir offers a personal and accessible entry into understanding the experience of living with a disability. It provides a broad understanding through relatable anecdotes and reflections on everyday life, ableism, and self-worth. It good supplementary read for gaining personal perspective.

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