The course begins by discussing the unique challenges and ethical considerations of providing healthcare in these situations, such as limited resources, cultural differences, and political instability. It then delves into specific topics such as communicable diseases, reproductive health, mental health, and nutrition.
Throughout the course, students will learn about the key actors involved in responding to complex humanitarian emergencies, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. They will also explore strategies for effective communication and coordination among these actors.
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the major health issues and challenges that arise in complex humanitarian emergencies, as well as the strategies and approaches used to address them. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to effective emergency response efforts.
Course Content:
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.
The Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies course by Dabney P. Evans on Coursera consists of 4 weeks, each with a varying number of lectures. Here is a more detailed breakdown:
Week 1: Setting the Stage: Refugees, Displaced Persons, Conflict, and Complex Emergencies
What are CHEs/Top Priorities 12m
Major Actors 8m
Data Collection in Emergencies 11m
Overview/Summary 1m
Getting Started 10m
Readings & Resources 45m
MODULE 1 Quiz 30m
Week 2: Healthcare in the Emergency Phase
Reproductive Health 8m
Food and Nutrition 10m
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene 14m
Overview/Summary 1m
1 reading
MODULE 2 QUIZ30m
Week 3: Disease Control
8 videos (Total 64 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Vaccine Preventable Diseases / Measles 10m
Malaria Control8mInfectious Disease Emergency Response 8m
Communicable Diseases - Acute Respiratory Infections 10m
Non-Communicable Diseases 8m
Overview/Summary 1m
Supplementary: Diarrheal Diseases: A true life example from Haiti,20 4m
Readings and Resources 45m
MODULE 3 QUIZ 30m
Week 4: Program Management
5 videos (Total 42 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Shelter and Site Planning / Camp Management 13m
Logistics Part I 9m
Logistics, Part II 8m
Mental Health Aid Workers 7m
Wrap Up 3m
Readings and Resources 45m
MODULE 4 QUIZ 30m
Reviews:
As a student who has completed the Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies course on Coursera, I can confidently say that it is an excellent resource for individuals interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in global health emergencies.
The course is structured into 4 modules that cover a wide range of topics. The first module provides an overview of the epidemiology of health emergencies and sets the foundation for understanding the different types of emergencies and their impact on health systems. The following modules delve into the various components of a humanitarian response, including the roles and responsibilities of different actors, ethical considerations, and strategies for effective response planning and implementation.
One of the strengths of the course is its focus on real-world examples and case studies. The course uses examples from past emergencies to illustrate key concepts and highlight the challenges and opportunities that arise during emergency responses. This approach helps to make the content more engaging and relevant to students.
The course also includes a variety of learning resources, including video lectures, readings, and quizzes. The readings provide a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the lectures, while the quizzes help to reinforce key concepts and test students' knowledge.
Another standout feature of the course is the instructor, Dr. Dabney P. Evans. Her expertise and experience in global health emergencies are evident in the quality of the content and the depth of knowledge presented. She is a skilled communicator and provides clear explanations and insights into the complex topics covered in the course.
Finally, the course includes interactive elements such as online discussions and assignments. These opportunities for engagement and application of learning are valuable for reinforcing key concepts and promoting deeper understanding.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies course to anyone interested in this field. The course is well-structured, engaging, and informative, and provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that are applicable in a variety of contexts.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 314 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completing the Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies course by Dabney P. Evans on Coursera, students will have gained the following skills:
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Understanding of key concepts and history: Students will gain a deep understanding of the concepts and terminology used in the field of complex humanitarian emergencies. They will also learn about the history of humanitarian responses and the evolution of the humanitarian system.
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Public health principles and epidemiology: Students will learn about the principles of public health and epidemiology in emergency settings, including the different types of emergencies and associated health risks. They will also learn about outbreak management and response, as well as the importance of health information systems.
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Outbreak management and response: In addition to learning about outbreak management and response, students will also learn about the role of different actors in responding to outbreaks, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
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Mental health and psychosocial support: Students will learn about the mental health challenges faced by people in humanitarian emergencies and the principles of psychosocial support and delivery in emergency settings. They will also gain an understanding of different types of mental health services and how to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness.
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Women's and children's health: Students will gain an understanding of the unique health needs of women and children in emergencies, including the challenges of providing maternal and child health services in emergency settings. They will also learn about nutrition and food security, as well as child protection issues.
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Health service delivery: Students will learn about the challenges of delivering health services in emergency settings and the different types of health services available. They will also gain an understanding of coordination and collaboration among different actors, as well as the logistics of health service delivery.
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Ethics and decision-making: Finally, students will learn about the ethical considerations involved in working in complex humanitarian emergencies, including different ethical frameworks and the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement. They will also gain skills in ethical decision-making and learn how to apply these frameworks in practice.
Overall, the course provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge necessary for responding effectively to health challenges in complex humanitarian emergencies. These skills are highly relevant for professionals working in the humanitarian sector, as well as for students interested in pursuing a career in global health.
Author:
Dabney P. Evans is a public health practitioner and academic with expertise in global health, complex emergencies, and health systems strengthening. She holds a Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as a Master of Public Health degree from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Davidson College.
Evans has extensive experience working in the public health sector, including positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Carter Center. She has also served as a consultant to a range of organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In addition to her work in the field, Evans is a respected academic, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Global Health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on topics related to global health, complex emergencies, and health systems strengthening, and is frequently invited to speak at conferences and events around the world.
Overall, Evans' expertise and experience in global health, complex emergencies, and health systems strengthening make her a highly respected figure in the public health sector. Her work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of humanitarian emergencies and the challenges of delivering effective health services in these settings. As an educator, researcher, and practitioner, she is a valuable asset to the public health community and a strong advocate for improving health outcomes in some of the world's most challenging settings.
Requirements:
The requirements for the Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies course, authored by Dabney P. Evans, are:
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Basic knowledge of public health: Students are expected to have a basic understanding of public health concepts and principles, such as the determinants of health, the epidemiological approach to public health, and the role of health systems in promoting health.
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Familiarity with global health challenges: Students should be familiar with the major global health challenges, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and health disparities. Additionally, students should have a general understanding of the actors involved in global health, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
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English proficiency: The course materials and lectures are delivered in English, so students must be proficient in English to participate fully in the course.
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Access to technology: Students must have access to a computer or mobile device with internet access to access the course materials and complete assignments.
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Self-directed learning: The course requires a significant amount of self-directed learning, including reading assigned materials, watching lectures, and participating in online discussions. Students must be willing and able to engage in self-directed learning.
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Commitment to completing assignments: Students must commit to completing all assignments and assessments on time to successfully complete the course.
By meeting these requirements, students will be well-prepared to learn about the complex issues surrounding health in humanitarian emergencies and to engage in discussions and assignments in the course.
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