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Taking charge of health in emergencies

Humanitarian health and nutrition professional diploma

"Now, if taken by surprise, I really have the confidence to respond to an emergency situation and I know where to start… We have recently been awarded a nutrition grant from WHO… and because of this training I was selected to lead on the programme".

– Rachel M., Programme Manager, Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Tanzania

Health capabilities in countries affected by disaster or conflict can become severely challenged. Individuals can become vulnerable to a range of health risks and problems from: child mortality to epidemics such as malaria; from HIV to mental health; and more.

Sustaining health of communities is fundamental and requires a professional response. Planning, integration, monitoring and evaluation and mobilising communities, are all key elements.

This six-month diploma, accredited by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is designed to equip humanitarian health and nutrition staff with the skills, knowledge and experience to plan and coordinate health and nutrition responses.

This course combines distance learning with classroom-based training and immersive simulations. You will be paired with a mentor for expert additional support, and we will help you to identify and undertake placements, where you can put your skills into practice.

Who is it for?

You should:

  • Be a programme manager, coordinator, team leader or technical adviser (or similar), currently working in health or nutrition programmes
  • Have a relevant degree (nursing, public health, nutrition, medicine etc)
  • Have at least five years’ professional experience working in the health and/ or nutrition sector
  • Be committed to the full duration of the programme- including a two-week residential
  • Have support from your line manager and organisation to attend the course  

If you meet all of these criteria and are passionate about strengthening your ability to deliver health and nutrition humanitarian responses, then we would encourage you to apply.

Course content

Over the six months, you will cover the following topics, through a combination of distance learning, and a two-week face to face residential training course:
  • Humanitarian context and architecture
  • How health and nutrition are affected by emergencies
  • Gender, health and nutrition in emergencies
  • Cash, health and nutrition in emergencies
  • Rapid assessment
  • HIV in emergencies
  • Nutrition in emergencies
  • Health system strengthening
  • Child health in emergencies
  • Reproductive health in emergencies
  • Infant and young child feeding in emergencies
  • Epidemic surveillance (cholera, measles, malaria)
  • Vaccination
  • Medical and nutrition logistics and pharmacy management
  • Response planning
  • Integrated programming
  • Monitoring evaluation, accountability and learning
  • Clusters and coordination
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Mental health in emergencies
  • Micronutrient supplementation
  • Working with local partners
  • WASH, health and nutrition in emergencies
  • Community mobilisation

How to apply

We are not currently accepting applications for the Humanitarian H&N Diploma. Information on future cycles will be posted here. For more information: h&ntraining@savethechildren.org.uk

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