Course Details

Safeguarding Health in Crisis: Public Health in Humanitarian Settings Training

INTRODUCTION

In times of humanitarian emergencies, maintaining public health is critical to saving lives and alleviating suffering. Our comprehensive Public Health in Humanitarian Settings Training Course equips professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to address the unique health challenges arising from conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement. From assessing health needs and managing disease outbreaks to implementing essential health services and coordinating with diverse actors, this program provides a vital understanding of the principles and practices necessary to protect and improve the health of vulnerable populations in complex humanitarian environments.

Designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in public health within humanitarian organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and international bodies, this training delves into the practical aspects of delivering healthcare in resource-limited and often insecure settings. Participants will gain expertise in epidemiology, environmental health, nutrition, mental health, and reproductive health within the humanitarian context. By mastering these skills, graduates will be empowered to contribute effectively to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health interventions, ultimately making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by crises.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Public Health Professionals working in humanitarian organizations
• Medical Doctors and Nurses involved in emergency response
• Program Managers overseeing health interventions in crisis settings
• Epidemiologists focused on disease surveillance in humanitarian contexts
• Environmental Health Specialists working in displacement camps
• Nutritionists addressing malnutrition in emergency situations
• Mental Health Professionals providing support in humanitarian crises
• Individuals transitioning into public health roles in the humanitarian sector

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key public health challenges and principles in humanitarian settings.
• Conduct rapid health assessments and identify priority health needs of affected populations.
• Implement effective disease surveillance and outbreak control measures.
• Manage essential environmental health services, including water and sanitation.
• Address nutritional needs and manage malnutrition in emergency situations.
• Integrate mental health and psychosocial support into humanitarian responses.
• Provide essential reproductive health services in crisis contexts.
• Coordinate public health activities with diverse humanitarian actors.

COURSE MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Public Health in Humanitarian Settings:

• Understanding the humanitarian context and its impact on public health.
• Exploring the key public health challenges in different types of emergencies.
• Examining the principles and standards guiding humanitarian health interventions.
• Identifying the main actors and organizations involved in humanitarian health.
• Understanding the ethical considerations in providing public health in crises.

Module 2: Rapid Health Assessment and Needs Identification:

• Conducting rapid health assessments in emergency situations.
• Identifying priority health needs of affected populations.
• Collecting and analyzing health data in resource-limited settings.
• Utilizing assessment tools and methodologies specific to humanitarian contexts.
• Understanding the importance of community participation in assessments.

Module 3: Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Control:

• Establishing and managing disease surveillance systems in emergencies.
• Identifying and responding to disease outbreaks in humanitarian settings.
• Implementing effective infection prevention and control measures.
• Managing communicable diseases prevalent in crisis situations (e.g., cholera, measles).
• Understanding vaccination campaigns and other preventive measures.

Module 4: Environmental Health in Humanitarian Settings:

• Assessing environmental health risks in displacement camps and affected areas.
• Implementing safe water supply and sanitation systems.
• Managing waste disposal and vector control.
• Addressing shelter and housing issues from a public health perspective.
• Promoting hygiene practices to prevent disease transmission.

Module 5: Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies:

• Assessing the nutritional status of affected populations.
• Managing acute and chronic malnutrition in emergency situations.
• Implementing supplementary and therapeutic feeding programs.
• Addressing micronutrient deficiencies and food security issues.
• Understanding the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women).

Module 6: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Crises:

• Understanding the psychological impact of emergencies on affected populations.
• Providing basic psychosocial support and mental health first aid.
• Identifying and referring individuals with severe mental health needs.
• Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare in humanitarian settings.
• Addressing the mental health needs of humanitarian workers.

Module 7: Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings:

• Understanding the specific reproductive health needs of women and girls in crises.
• Providing essential obstetric care and family planning services.
• Addressing issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
• Ensuring access to safe abortion care where legally permissible.
• Implementing interventions to prevent maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.

Module 8: Coordination and Collaboration in Humanitarian Health:

• Understanding the importance of coordination in humanitarian health responses.
• Working effectively with different humanitarian actors (UN, NGOs, government).
• Participating in health cluster meetings and coordination mechanisms.
• Building partnerships with local communities and health authorities.
• Advocating for public health priorities within the humanitarian response.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com