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Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in humanitarian settings. You will learn about the impact of NCDs, how to assess and manage them in humanitarian contexts, and strategies for prevention and control.

Key Learning Points

Understand the impact of non-communicable diseases in humanitarian settings
Learn how to assess and manage NCDs in resource-limited contexts
Explore strategies for prevention and control of NCDs

Learning Outcomes

Understand the impact of non-communicable diseases in humanitarian settings
Assess and manage NCDs in resource-limited contexts
Develop strategies for prevention and control of NCDs

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of public health
Familiarity with humanitarian settings

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced course
Video lectures
Quizzes and assignments
Discussion forums

Similar Courses

Global Health Diplomacy
Public Health in Humanitarian Crises
Epidemics, Pandemics and Outbreaks

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Dr. Paul Farmer
Dr. Joia Mukherjee
Dr. Jim Yong Kim

Related Books

Description

NCDs are the leading cause of death in almost every region of the world, and place a huge burden on individuals, families and societies. Humanitarian settings have a negative effect on the levels of disease, and the possibility of treatment. The importance of NCDs in global health is acknowledged by their inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for a reduction of a third in premature mortality from NCDs by 2030. However, NCDs have until recently received little attention in humanitarian settings, leaving prevention, care and treatment needs largely unaddressed among some of the most vulnerable populations. According to the World Health Organization, 70 percent of global deaths are due to NCDs. The four main disease groups which cause the greatest number of deaths are cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including asthma).

The course will provide knowledge about issues and dilemmas that occur around NCDs in humanitarian settings and possible solutions. Why are NCDs a problem in humanitarian emergencies or crises? Natural disasters and complex emergencies, including armed conflict, have a negative effect on the levels of disease, and on the possibilities for preventing, treating and caring for people with NCDs. People living with NCDs often need continuous care to avoid disease progression, and disrupted treatment due to natural disaster or emergencies pose a large health challenge. In conflict situations and fragile contexts, the challenge of disrupted care and treatment may be exacerbated – an estimated 65 million people have been forcibly displaced by conflict, displacement lasts longer, and at times health systems and health personnel are deliberately targeted.

Outline

Module 1: Why is it important?
Siri Tellier: Why is it important?
Alessandro Demaio: The "big four" NCDs Explained
Sylvia Khamati: The double burden of disease - Kenya refugee camps
Mouna Mayoufi: Lack in quality of care - Syria
Heidi Christensen: Challenges for refugees on the move - Lesbos
Experiences from refugees affected by NCDs
A call to action
Identifying and Describing the Impact
Siri Tellier: A Background Paper
Ten essential questions
Care in Emergencies
Conflict-affected populations
Internally Displaced Women and Children

Module - What is being done?
Siri Tellier: What is being done?
Sylvia Khamati: Community awareness needed - Kenya
Mouna Mayoufi: Data needed to improve preparedness - Libya
Heidi Christensen: Treatment dilemmas - Pakistan
The Sphere Project
Emergency Health Kit
Key Fact Sheet
Public Health Interventions in Humanitarian Crises
Social Determinants
Interventions for Primary Health Care
Diabetes care in a complex humanitarian emergency setting
Ebola Crisis
Guidelines and mHealth for Vulnerable Populations

Module: Challenges and Opportunities
Siri Tellier: Challenges and Opportunities
Sylvia Khamati: Financial Dilemmas - Kenya
Heidi Christensen: Dilemmas in long term treatment in India
Sigiriya A. Perone: Do's and Dont's
Cancer in Refugees
Three Steps to Improve NCDs
Interventions for NCDs in Humanitarian Crises
Human Health Following Disasters
Burden of Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality
Addressing NCDs in disaster risk reduction
Health status and needs for older refugees

Summary of User Reviews

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Users appreciate the practical approach and the use of real-life examples in the course.

Pros from User Reviews

Practical approach
Real-life examples
Good for beginners
Great instructor
Interactive quizzes

Cons from User Reviews

Basic content
Lengthy readings
Lack of depth
Not enough case studies
Not enough visuals

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