Open University: Public Health in Humanitarian Crises

About this programme

Content Objective of this course is to introduce the students to the humanitarian crisis aspects of various types of disasters. Course will present real life examples of how public health is compromised in a disaster; how the human rights get violated; who are vulnerable groups; how environment suffers; how is life in chronic conflict situations; what are the mechanisms for psychosocial coping; what are the principles of knowledge management in disaster scenarios; what are the basics of public health preparedness and relief activities. Students should learn of various effects of disasters and they get to know the basic strategies and components of a public health response to crisis situations caused by disasters. The course will strengthen understanding of: The concept of crisis Causes (natural, man-made) of humanitarian crises and disasters The general impact of crises in the light of recent examples Climate change and health Environmental impact of disasters and humanitarian crises Typical public health consequences of humanitarian crises Mental health in disasters Disaster preparedness First response, humanitarian aid Longer-term issues of management in humanitarian crises Specific challenges of public health in complex emergencies Water supply, sanitation, and food supplies in extreme conditions Role of various actors, international collaboration Disaster epidemiology Disaster prevention Teachers: Live lectures by: Sohaib Khan, PhD, Assistant Professor of International Health; Juhani Miettola, MD, PhD; Jussi Kauhanen, MD, PhD; Additional online lectures by visiting expert speakers from the field; Study Methods Self-study of required readings; Classroom sessions with lectures and exercises; Participation in all classroom sessions is compulsory for MPH students and Exchange students. An exception for this is the limited quota (maximum of additional 20 students) who may enter the course through the UEF Open University system. Within the capacity limits, also other Open University students may be admitted based in first-come-first-served principle. Lectures will be partly streamed or recorded, and all lecture notes, assignments and interactive group platforms will be available for these students in the Moodle. Attendance requirements: 100% compulsory. Evaluation This study unit is graded on a scale of 0-5. The final mark will consist of evaluation of activity and quality of discussions. Successful completion of the course requires substantial amount of independent study Evaluation criteria: The final mark will consist of evaluation of assignments. Threshold for passing the course: 100% attendance