Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings from Coursera

NCDs are the leading cause of death in almost every region of the world, and place a huge burden on individuals, families and societies. Humanitarian settings have a negative effect on the levels of disease, and the possibility of treatment. The importance of NCDs in global health is acknowledged by their inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for a reduction of a third in premature mortality from NCDs by 2030. However, NCDs have until recently received little attention in humanitarian settings, leaving prevention, care and treatment needs largely unaddressed among some of the most vulnerable populations. According to the World Health Organization, 70 percent of global deaths are due to NCDs. The four main disease groups which cause the greatest number of deaths are cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including asthma).

The course will provide knowledge about issues and dilemmas that occur around NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions.

Why are NCDs a problem in humanitarian emergencies or crises? Natural disasters and complex emergencies, including armed conflict, have a negative effect on the levels of disease, and on the possibilities for preventing, treating and caring for people with NCDs. People living with NCDs often need continuous care to avoid disease progression, and disrupted treatment due to natural disaster or emergencies pose a large health challenge. In conflict situations and fragile contexts, the challenge of disrupted care and treatment may be exacerbated – an estimated 65 million people have been forcibly displaced by conflict, displacement lasts longer, and at times health systems and health personnel are deliberately targeted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Why is it important?

In module one you will learn about why NCDs have increased in the world as a whole and about why NCDs are a particular problem in humanitarian emergencies or crises. Natural disasters and complex emergencies including armed conflict may have a negative effect, both on the levels of disease, and on the possibilities for preventing, treating or caring for people with NCDs.

Module - What is being done?

In module two you will learn about some of the basic approaches of humanitarian action and how they might that apply to NCDs. This would include basic concepts, and how they might help or hamper the response to NCDs.

Module: Challenges and Opportunities

In module three you will learn about prioritization (the classical first priority for health response to save lives, and concentrate on excess mortality and morbidity), the importance of risk analysis (the risk equation), the challenges involved in transition from acute to longer term assistance – from blueprint to contextualizing and building capacity – as well as about longer term budgetary issues.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers the importance of NCDs in humanitarian settings, which is a growing concern

Instructors have expertise in the field of NCDs in humanitarian settings

Provides knowledge about issues and dilemmas surrounding NCDs in humanitarian settings, which is valuable for professionals working in this field

Covers basic approaches of humanitarian action and how they apply to NCDs, which is useful for understanding the context of NCD management in humanitarian settings

Discusses challenges and opportunities in addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings, which is important for developing effective strategies

Requires background knowledge in humanitarian action and NCDs, which may limit accessibility for beginners

Reviews summary

Ncds in humanitarian crises: insightful and comprehensive

**Learners say** this course is a largely positive experience, providing useful knowledge about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in humanitarian settings. It offers engaging assignments, such as case studies and readings, that enhance learning. The course is praised for its engaging instructors, who are experts in their fields, and for its clear and concise videos.

One key feature learners appreciate is the inclusion of real-life examples and case studies. These provide practical insights into the challenges of NCD interventions in various humanitarian settings. The course also offers up-to-date content and relevant articles, helping learners stay informed about current humanitarian crises and their impact on NCDs.

Overall, this course is well-received by learners, providing valuable insights into the complexities of NCDs in humanitarian settings.

Led by experienced instructors with expertise.

"The course is done and delivered by experts who love what they are doing and passionate to take learners onboard, navigating through the challenges of NCDs interventions in various humanitarian settings."

"Siri Tellier, she talks like someone who has a lot of ownership of the subject (and she really does, seeing how much she studies and publishes about it)."

"To all who contributed to this course, in each video, each material and in everything, my congratulations!"

Provides valuable insights into challenges of NCDs.

"The course gives a comprehensive understanding of the scope of NCDs issue and underpins gaps that are to be addressed both by humanitarian actors and by researches."

"I have taken courses related to the needs of local and country-wide populations following humanitarian crises.; however, few of the courses have focused on those with chronic conditions."

"I feel that this course has made me realize just how complex these situations truly are and I have have realized that like the proverbial iceberg, in a complex emergency, there are many factors that contrubute to an emergency both good and bad that lie below the surface hidden by the obvious, visible and pressing needs in these types of scenarios."

Includes practical case studies for better understanding.

"The course provides a deeper understanding of the NCDs in humanitarian settings."

"I really liked Siri Tellier, she talks like someone who has a lot of ownership of the subject (and she really does, seeing how much she studies and publishes about it)."

"I liked the sections where people from the field are sharing their experience an perspective."

"I enjoyed the course as it was quick and easy to learn."

Some articles and references may be outdated.

"I would have preferred more slides summarising the information visually - I felt that the information was primarily presented as spoken and the course would benefit from some variation"

"Great course, it would be great if the articles used were up to date."

"I would lilke to suggest to update some of the materials if pssible and updated articles available."

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 Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings with these activities:

Organize notes and readings

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Organize and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to improve recall and comprehension of course materials.

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Gather and sort notes, readings, and assignments
Create a system for organizing materials (e.g., folders, binders, digital storage)
Review and summarize key concepts and ideas
Identify areas where further clarification or review is needed

Follow tutorials on NCD management

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Seek out and follow tutorials to enhance understanding of NCD management strategies in humanitarian settings.

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Identify reputable organizations or platforms providing tutorials on NCD management
Select tutorials relevant to the specific contexts and populations of interest
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in the tutorials
Take notes and summarize the key takeaways from the tutorials

Engage in peer discussions

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Participate in peer practice sessions or study groups to enhance understanding and exchange ideas with other learners.

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Join or create a study group with peers enrolled in the course
Set regular meeting times and establish a discussion agenda
Take turns presenting and discussing different aspects of NCDs in humanitarian settings
Provide constructive feedback and engage in critical analysis of ideas

Four other activities

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Case study analysis on NCD management

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Analyze case studies to develop a deeper understanding of NCD management challenges and best practices in humanitarian settings.

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Identify relevant case studies on NCD management in humanitarian settings
Read and analyze the case studies, paying attention to the context, challenges, and outcomes
Identify key decision points and discuss alternative strategies
Reflect on the lessons learned and their implications for NCD management

Develop a communication plan for NCD awareness

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Create a communication plan to enhance awareness of NCDs in humanitarian settings and promote behavior change.

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Identify the target audience and their communication needs
Develop key messages and strategies for disseminating information effectively
Select appropriate communication channels and methods
Create and distribute communication materials (e.g., posters, brochures, videos)
Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication plan and make adjustments as needed

Organize a community event on NCDs

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Plan and host a community event to raise awareness and promote dialogue on NCDs in humanitarian settings.

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Identify a community or target audience for the event
Secure a venue and set a date and time
Develop an agenda and activities that engage the audience
Invite speakers, experts, and community members to participate
Promote the event and encourage participation

Participate in NCD-related hackathons or competitions

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Engage in NCD-related hackathons or competitions to develop innovative solutions and foster collaboration for improved NCD management.

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Identify and register for NCD-related hackathons or competitions
Form a team or collaborate with other participants
Develop innovative solutions or ideas addressing specific NCD challenges in humanitarian settings
Present and defend the solutions to a panel of judges or experts

Career center

Learners who complete Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data, which is essential for understanding the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs and for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Statisticians because it provides knowledge about the use of statistics in the field of NCDs, as well as approaches to conducting research on NCDs in humanitarian settings.

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Health Education Specialist

Health Education Specialists develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Health Education Specialists because it provides knowledge about the role of health education in the prevention and management of NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to developing and implementing culturally appropriate health education interventions.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists work to improve the nutritional status of populations, including the prevention and management of NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Public Health Nutritionists because it provides knowledge about the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to developing and implementing nutrition interventions.

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Health Economist

Health Economists analyze the costs and benefits of health interventions, including those related to NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Health Economists because it provides knowledge about the economic burden of NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to evaluating the cost-effectiveness of interventions to prevent and control NCDs.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to people in need, including those affected by NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Social Workers because it provides knowledge about the social and psychological challenges faced by people with NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to providing support and care.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies, including armed conflict. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Humanitarian Aid Workers because it provides knowledge about the challenges of addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions for ensuring that people with NCDs have access to essential care.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries by providing technical assistance and support to local organizations and governments. This course may be useful for those seeking to become International Development Specialists because it provides knowledge about the importance of addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings and approaches to integrating NCD prevention and care into international development programs.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, including NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Physicians because it provides knowledge about the challenges of addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions for ensuring that people with NCDs have access to essential care.

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Nurse

Nurses provide a range of health care services, including the prevention and management of NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Nurses because it provides knowledge about the challenges of addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions for ensuring that people with NCDs have access to essential care.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues and make recommendations for policy changes. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Health Policy Analysts because it provides knowledge about the policy challenges and opportunities related to NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to advocating for policies that improve NCD prevention and care.

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Medical Anthropologist

Medical Anthropologists study the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health and illness. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Medical Anthropologists because it provides knowledge about the social and cultural factors that contribute to NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to developing culturally appropriate interventions to prevent and control NCDs.

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Global Health Program Manager

Global Health Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate health programs in developing countries. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Global Health Program Managers because it provides knowledge about the challenges and opportunities of addressing NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to integrating NCD prevention and care into global health programs.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists research the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Epidemiologists because it provides knowledge about the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs in humanitarian settings, as well as approaches to preventing and controlling them.

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Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers perform various duties to improve community health, some of which relate to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For instance, Community Health Workers may conduct health screenings and provide education on NCDs. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Community Health Workers because it provides knowledge about the importance of NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions for addressing them.

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