3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This intensive course will create an understanding of the public health needs of populations caught up in disaster and conflict. This includes the background, underlying causes, and the dynamics which cause populations to be vulnerable in emergencies. Conceptually, students will understand the link between disaster and development, and how development programs reduce risks for vulnerable populations. Students will be equipped with basic skills to allow them to respond to the public health needs of populations in emergency situations. These include areas of planning, epidemiological assessment, control of communicable disease, information and surveillance systems, environmental sanitation methods, and meeting nutrition requirements in refugee situations. The course will provide an understanding of some other major refugee issues including protection of populations at risk, building human security and meeting mental health needs of affected populations. Through course work and course materials the important link between human rights, human security, and the more technical aspects of responses will be emphasized.