Public Health in Complex Emergencies Training Programme

PUBLIC HEALTH IN COMPLEX EMERGENCIES
TRAINING PROGRAM

Implemented by

World Education, Inc.

in partnership with

Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health
International Rescue Committee
Makerere University, Institute of Public Health, Uganda
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Thailand
American University of Beirut, Lebanon

2004 COURSE DATES

June 28-July 10, – American University of Beirut, Lebanon
July 26-August 7 – Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Thailand
November 1-14 – Institute of Public Health – Uganda

The Public Health in Complex Emergencies training program (PHCE) is a two-week residential course that focuses on critical public health issues faced by NGO/PVO personnel working in complex emergencies. The goal of the course is to enhance the capacity of humanitarian assistance workers and their organizations to respond to the health needs of refugees and internally displaced persons affected by these emergencies. Participants will master key competencies in all of the following sectors:
Context of Emergencies Reproductive Health
Epidemiology Weapons, Violence and Trauma
Communicable Disease Protection and Security
Environmental Health Psychosocial Issues
Nutrition Coordination

Who should take this course?
· NGO/PVO staff who are responsible now (or may be in the near future) for making decisions that affect the health of refugees and internally displaced persons.
· District medical officers and other Ministry of Health staff working in regions affected by complex emergencies.
· Staff from international and governmental organizations instrumental in planning services for people affected by complex emergencies.

Medical Coordinators, Health Coordinators, Program Managers and District Medical Officers from international and national health organizations are typical candidates for the course.

Who are the trainers?
The trainers are leading international and regional experts with a wide variety of field experience in complex emergencies. Trainers represent a range of backgrounds from NGO’s to multi-lateral organizations, international agencies, academic and research centers. They all have significant hands on experience and many have taught in the original Public Health in Complex Emergencies training program and/or were involved in designing the curriculum.

What is the cost?
Tuition is $2,400 and includes room, three meals daily, and all course materials. Participants can expect to have a private room. In some cases it might be necessary to share single-sex bathroom/shower facilities. Participants are responsible for all of their travel expenses and incidentals such as laundry, personal phone calls, faxes, Internet or email usage, and shipping of personal items from the course. Unfortunately, there are no scholarship funds available. However, in the past some participants have secured financial aid from ministries of health, WHO regional offices and private sources.

What makes this training program different?
Field staff from humanitarian, international and academic organizations have developed the curriculum specifically to meet the needs of NGO/PVO organizations working in complex emergencies. This course is truly “of the field, by the field and for the field.” Preference will be given to participants currently working in emergency situations.

"The course was excellent in providing information. (It) provided tools and examples of real-life working programs that I can adjust and use in complex emergencies. The course encourages and challenges decision-makers to improve health services among people in complex emergencies…"
Bangkok, March 2000

Participants are expected to meet with their supervisors prior to attending the course to discuss an action plan for applying their new skills and knowledge. A structured exercise during the course will help to finalize these plans. Participants will be contacted approximately 3 months later and asked to report on their progress.

Language and teaching methods.
The course is currently offered in English only. Extensive reading and participatory learning methods are used. All participants will receive pre-reading materials before arriving at the course site. An interactive simulation exercise on the last day gives participants an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge learned during the course. Participants should be fluent in reading and speaking English.

What is the application procedure?
Applications should be submitted directly to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Once accepted, applicants will receive detailed registration information and procedures for payment. Tuition includes a $250 non-refundable registration fee.

All applications should be sent to:
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Attn: Lorna Stevens
122 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168 USA
Tel: (212) 551-3005
Fax: (212) 551-3185
Email: [email protected] - Website: http://www.theirc.org/phce

Special acknowledgement and thanks to the following organizations:
Action Against Hunger, AMREF-Uganda, American Red Cross, American Refugee Committee, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (Bangkok), CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Center for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (Austr.), Doctors of the World, Institute of Public Health-Uganda, InterAction, International Medical Corps, International Aid, Mercy Corps, Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research (Melb. Aust), Medecins Sans Frontieres, MERLIN, Peace Corps, RedR, Relief International, Save the Children, Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, World Food Program, World Health Organization, World Vision

Funded by the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance/USAID