Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 1 from Coursera

This course, Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 1, introduces discussions about the public health approach to problems experienced by people affected by disasters, both natural and related to conflict. The course discusses the many changes which occur in people’s lives when they are uprooted by a disaster, ranging from changes in disease patterns, access to health care, livelihoods, shelter, sanitary conditions, nutritional status, etceteras. We will explore what humanitarian interventions could look like if we want to mitigate the effects of disasters. The course content is a mix of theoretical knowledge and many practical examples from recent disasters. We think this course is unique because it contains so many practical ‘real-life’ examples and is taught by instructors and guest lecturers who together have over 200 years of experience in this field.

The course consists of 10 modules totaling approximately 9-10 hours of delivered content with an additional 2-3 hours of self-work (quizzes and writing and evaluating a short peer-review assignment) as well as lively discussions forums. The course has been designed in a way that each module builds on the lessons of previous modules. However, you may do the modules in any order and some can be done separately.

You do not have to pay for this course if you choose to enroll without a certificate. Sometimes referred to as auditing, enrolling without a certificate means that you will have access to all of the videos, quizzes, assignments, and discussions. The only difference is that you will not receive a certificate upon completion. Click the Enroll Without a Certificate link to sign up and begin the course. Even if you enroll in a session that has yet to begin, you may access most of the course materials right away by clicking the Preview Course Materials link. However, you will have to wait for the session to begin before posting your comments on the discussion forum or accessing the final peer-reviewed assessment. Visit the Learner Help Center for details about session schedules.

If you want to learn more, there is a second course which follows this one entitled, Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 2. We welcome you to take this. The course has a similar set-up and discusses additional topics, such as infectious disease outbreaks, disease epidemiology, maternal and newborn health, mental health, humanitarian project design, humanitarian principles, and many other topics.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Humanitarian Disasters and Public Health

In this module we will define what we mean by disasters, hazards, risks and vulnerabilities. We look at patterns and trends and understand the role of public health in disasters.

Module 2: Humanitarian Actors and Coordination

There are many humanitarian actors that play a role in a disaster. This module describes many of them and also looks at various coordination models that are used.

Module 3: Water and Sanitation

This module describes the burden of, and mechanisms of, sanitation and water-related diseases in humanitarian crises. We also illustrate the various strategies and priorities that can be used to reduce outbreaks of those diseases.

Module 4: Livelihoods and Food Security in Humanitarian Crises

Disasters affect livelihoods. This module illustrates how and what livelihoods strategies families use to cope with a crisis. We also describe what food security entails and ways to assess it. We look at various livelihoods support programs that can be used in disaster settings.

Module 5: Nutrition in Humanitarian Crises

This module looks at who is at risk to become malnourished in a disaster context and why that is the case. We will describe various types of malnutrition, the treatment and various preventative actions.

Module 6: Management of Diseases in Humanitarian Crises

This module examines the patterns of disease in affected populations. We will understand how the changes in population characteristics as well as life styles have changed the nature of the burden of disease populations from that of predominantly communicable to a pattern of non communicable diseases.

Module 7: Health Care in Humanitarian Emergencies

Disasters put special strains on the provision of health services as demands increase and resources to meet these needs diminish. The six major components of health services may be each damaged in different ways, and all can require urgent attention. This is all discussed in this module.

Module 8: Shelter in a Humanitarian Setting

In this module we talk about shelter and what it means. We describe how and which shelter solutions contribute towards immediate and longer-term recovery of people affected by disasters.

Module 9: Protection of Displaced Populations: Human Rights & Humanitarian Law

Many disasters cause populations to be displaced. The module on the protection of displaced populations explores the international protection of individuals in relation to public health, human rights, and international humanitarian law.

Module 10: Emerging Risks, Challenges, and Opportunities for Future Humanitarian Emergencies

The potential for future disasters is great, and each having important public health components. New resources and new approaches will be needed to address these disasters and to help countries to recover economies and livelihoods. This module discusses the challenges and future directions in humanitarian assistance.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the implications of public health on humanitarian crises

Taught by instructors with decades of experience in humanitarian responses

Covers a broad range of topics essential for understanding public health in humanitarian crises

Provides a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical examples from recent disasters

Modules can be completed in any order, allowing for flexibility in learning

May require additional time for self-work, such as quizzes and writing assignments

Reviews summary

Highly acclaimed public health course

Learners largely praise this engaging and informative course on public health in humanitarian crises. They find the knowledgeable instructors and practical examples particularly helpful. Many learners report feeling well-prepared to work in this field after completing the course. A small number of learners mention that the course content might lack depth, but the overwhelming majority of learners highly recommend this course.

Knowledgeable and Engaging

"Excellent thematic content, excellent teachers. I learned a lot from this course."

"The instructors were excellent and have got an enormous amount of experience with humanitarian crisis management."

"The course was extremely useful."

Well-Prepared for Work

"It just needed to be a little more dynamic the classes, but it doesn't take the brilliants out of the course!"

"This course provided a solid foundation on issues that impact the population health and healthcare system during an emergency."

"Strongly recommend to those who want to start their career in Humanitarian Health and want to get a solid background in the field."

Hands-On and Relevant

"The course is very informative, an eye-opener and educational."

"Overall a good introduction to the topic."

"I really enjoyed the practical examples and would have liked to have more of these."

Some Concerns on Depth

"At some points, it turns quite generic and conversational, but I understand that this course probably doesn't want to be too heavy and complicated."

"It was indeed a privilege to learn about Public Health in Humanitarian Crises-1 from the renowned John Hopkins University."

"The course is largely praised for its practical and engaging approach to learning."

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 Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 1 with these activities:

Complete Online Tutorials on Disaster Preparedness

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Enhance your knowledge of disaster preparedness by completing online tutorials.

Browse courses on Disaster Preparedness

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Identify and select reputable online resources.
Follow the instructions and complete the tutorials.
Take notes and reflect on the information learned.

Read 'The Measure of Health: A New Approach to Public Health Measurement'

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Gain a deeper understanding of public health measurement and evaluation through this influential text.

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Read the book and make notes on the main concepts.
Summarize key findings and insights related to the course material.

Review Basic Epidemiology Concepts

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Brush up on the fundamentals of epidemiology to strengthen your understanding of the course material.

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Revisit textbook or course notes from a previous epidemiology course.
Review key concepts such as disease patterns, transmission, and surveillance.
Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding.

Five other activities

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Participate in Discussion Forums

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Engage with classmates and share insights by actively participating in online discussions.

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Read the assigned readings and prepare questions or comments.
Post thoughtful responses and engage with others' perspectives.

Practice Problem-Solving with Case Studies

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Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by working through real-world case studies in public health.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Identify a relevant case study or scenario.
Analyze the situation, identify key issues, and develop potential solutions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches and make recommendations.

Volunteer at a Local Health Organization

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at a local health organization.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Research and identify organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.

Develop a Public Health Intervention Plan

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Apply your knowledge by designing a comprehensive plan that addresses a specific public health issue.

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Identify a target population and define the specific health problem.
Research and develop evidence-based interventions to address the issue.
Outline the implementation plan, including timelines, resources, and evaluation strategies.

Attend a Workshop on Humanitarian Aid

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Broaden your knowledge and connect with professionals by attending a workshop on humanitarian aid.

Browse courses on Humanitarian Aid

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions, and take notes.
Follow up with resources and contacts gained at the workshop.

Career center

Learners who complete Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Aid Worker

International Aid Workers provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by crises and disasters. The course on Public Health in Humanitarian Crises aligns well with the work of International Aid Workers, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the public health challenges and approaches in humanitarian settings. By gaining knowledge about the impact of disasters on health, the role of humanitarian actors, and the principles of public health interventions, individuals can enhance their effectiveness in providing aid and promoting the health and well-being of crisis-affected populations.

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Disaster Relief Coordinator

Disaster Relief Coordinators manage and coordinate disaster relief operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. This course can be highly beneficial for Disaster Relief Coordinators, as it provides insights into the public health aspects of disaster management. By understanding the health risks and challenges in humanitarian emergencies, as well as the strategies for addressing them, Disaster Relief Coordinators can make informed decisions and develop effective coordination mechanisms to ensure the provision of essential health services and the protection of public health in crisis-affected areas.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists assess, plan, and implement nutrition programs to improve nutritional outcomes. This course is highly relevant to Nutritionists working in humanitarian settings, as it provides essential knowledge about the nutritional challenges and interventions in crisis-affected populations. By understanding the principles of nutrition in humanitarian crises, as well as the specific nutritional needs of different population groups, Nutritionists can develop and implement effective nutrition programs to address malnutrition and promote the health and well-being of affected communities.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are responsible for investigating and analyzing the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases, with a goal of promoting public health. The course on public health in humanitarian crises delves into the management of diseases in humanitarian emergencies and the epidemiology of disease outbreaks. This knowledge is essential for Epidemiologists who work in crisis-affected areas, as it provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the unique health challenges and approaches required in such settings. By grasping the complexities of disease patterns and transmission dynamics, individuals can contribute to effective outbreak control and disease prevention strategies.

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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist

WASH Specialists design and implement water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to prevent disease and promote public health. This course aligns well with the work of WASH Specialists in humanitarian settings, as it provides comprehensive knowledge about the public health aspects of water, sanitation, and hygiene in emergencies. By understanding the principles of public health in humanitarian crises, as well as the specific challenges and approaches to WASH interventions, WASH Specialists can develop and implement effective programs to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and promoting overall health and well-being.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses are registered nurses who focus on the health of communities, rather than individuals. The course on Public Health in Humanitarian Crises is highly relevant to Public Health Nurses who work in crisis-affected areas, as it provides essential knowledge about the unique health challenges and interventions required in these settings. By understanding the principles of public health in humanitarian crises, Public Health Nurses can be better equipped to assess health needs, implement appropriate interventions, and advocate for policies that promote the health and well-being of affected populations.

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Health Systems Strengthening Specialist

Health Systems Strengthening Specialists work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems. This course can be beneficial for Health Systems Strengthening Specialists working in humanitarian settings, as it provides insights into the challenges and approaches to strengthening health systems in crisis-affected areas. By understanding the principles of public health in humanitarian crises, as well as the specific health system needs and gaps, Health Systems Strengthening Specialists can develop and implement effective interventions to improve access to quality health services and strengthen the resilience of health systems in crisis-affected communities.

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Health Program Manager

Health Program Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs. This course can provide a solid foundation for individuals aspiring to become Health Program Managers, as it offers insights into the key principles, approaches, and challenges involved in managing health programs, particularly in humanitarian contexts. By understanding the impact of disasters on health systems and populations, as well as the strategies for addressing health needs in emergencies, Health Program Managers can develop and implement effective interventions to improve health outcomes in crisis-affected communities.

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Health Education Specialist

Health Education Specialists develop and implement health education programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for Health Education Specialists working in humanitarian contexts, as it covers topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, and behavior change in crisis-affected populations. By understanding the challenges and approaches to health education in humanitarian settings, Health Education Specialists can develop effective interventions to improve health behaviors and empower communities to take control of their health.

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Public Health Advocate

Public Health Advocates work to promote public health policies and programs. This course can be valuable for Public Health Advocates interested in humanitarian crises, as it provides insights into the public health challenges and policy issues in humanitarian settings. By understanding the principles of public health in humanitarian crises, as well as the role of advocacy in shaping policies and programs, Public Health Advocates can effectively advocate for policies and interventions that improve health outcomes in crisis-affected communities.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide mental health support to individuals and groups. This course can be beneficial for Mental Health Counselors working in humanitarian settings, as it provides insights into the mental health challenges faced by crisis-affected populations and the approaches to providing mental health care in emergencies. By understanding the principles of public health in humanitarian crises, as well as the specific mental health needs of different population groups, Mental Health Counselors can develop and implement effective interventions to promote mental well-being and address the psychological impact of crises.

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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide medical care in emergency situations, including disasters and humanitarian crises. This course can be useful for EMTs working in humanitarian settings, as it provides a foundation in the public health principles and approaches in emergencies. By understanding the unique health challenges and interventions in humanitarian crises, EMTs can enhance their skills in providing effective medical care and contribute to the overall health and well-being of crisis-affected populations.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts help develop laws, policies, and programs that relate to healthcare. Holding a background in public health and humanitarian crises may help provide the necessary understanding of various public health challenges and the importance of developing effective policies to address them. The course covers a range of topics that are crucial in health policy analysis, such as healthcare systems, disaster management, and health equity, making it a valuable resource for aspiring analysts in this field. Given the course's focus on humanitarian crises, individuals interested in specializing in health policy analysis within this context would find it particularly relevant.

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Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research to identify and address public health issues. This course may be useful for Public Health Researchers interested in humanitarian crises, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles and approaches of public health in emergencies. By understanding the unique health challenges and research needs in humanitarian settings, Public Health Researchers can contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions and policies to improve health outcomes in crisis-affected populations.

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Humanitarian Logistician

Humanitarian Logisticians manage the flow of goods and services to support humanitarian operations. This course can be useful for Humanitarian Logisticians, as it provides insights into the complexities of humanitarian supply chains and the challenges of delivering health-related supplies and services in crisis-affected areas. By understanding the principles of public health and the specific needs of affected populations, Humanitarian Logisticians can optimize their operations to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of essential health commodities.

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