Assessing Public Health in Emergency Situations

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course aims to familiarize professionals with epidemiological techniques to determine impacts of disasters and conflicts.  The course will introduce participants to the methods and tools of epidemiology in the context of humanitarian emergencies and also cover the different uses of quantitative tools for the assessment of health needs in populations affected by catastrophic events.

Topics covered will include malnutrition, mortality, morbidity and population displacement.

HOW THE COURSE WILL BE RUN

The course will last for two weeks:

• The first week will consist of theoretical presentations of how to assess impacts of disasters and conflicts on human health, along with presentations of relevant tools
• During the second week, practical case-studies will be presented, developed and analyzed using tools from week one under the supervision and guidance of international experts
• Evaluation will be based on the preparation by each student of a case-study presentation that will illustrate the concepts taught during the course.

A university certificate and 8 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course and evaluation.

APPLICANTS PROFILE

This course is open to professionals at the level of field officer, preferably with some experience in the humanitarian and emergency management sectors.  Two to three students from the European Masters in Humanitarian Action will also be selected to attend the course.

SELECTION PROCESS

We strive to have a diversified group of participants, balancing gender, organizational and geographical representation.  Participant selection is based on the candidate’s profiles, examined through the application form and based on the requirement mentioned above.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Dates: 5 July (at 9am) to 16 July (at 2pm) – total: 9.5 days
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
  • Accommodation will be made available on the university campus.  This includes one single room in a dormitory of 6 to 8 private rooms with both common kitchen and bathroom facilities.  The expense for this type of accommodations is +/- 420 Euro for the course duration.  Other solutions for accommodation are available in town, but must be organized by the individual participant (please check the application form document for other options). Photos of the rooms can be accessed on the website in the Image galleries.
• Participation fees: €1500 Euros
  • Course registration fee covers coursework, printed materials, coffee breaks and lunches
  • If staying off campus, transportation both to-and-from the course venue is not included in the fees and must be arranged by the individual participant
  • Participant fee must be deposited and received by Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters by Friday 12 June, 2010; otherwise, participation will be cancelled.
  • Reimbursment will not be made on cancellations after 30 June 2010.
  • Few scholarships/grants to cover participation fees may be available.  For more information, please contact CRED by visiting the "Contact" menu on the top right of this website.
• Language of the course: English – fluency in English is required.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Admissions opened for APHES 2010

ALL APPLICANTS will be informed about the decision by Monday 1st June 2010.  If you have not received an answer after that date, please contact us.  Please make sure you include contact information (e-mail and phone number) that you will have access to during those dates.