Health in Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance
The MPH concentration in Health in Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance focuses on health of populations in crisis, internationally and domestically. These include refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), populations affected by natural and human-made disasters, victims of human rights abuse, and trafficked women and children. The coursework will focus on why populations become vulnerable and the health issues they face. Emphasis will be on gaining expertise in methods to assess needs and provide assistance to displaced populations and other vulnerable groups.
Competencies Gained
- Identify, protect and advocate for vulnerable groups
- Develop appropriate public health care responses for refugees and displaced persons
- Measure health and demographic indicators in crisis settings
- Plan food, water, and sanitation programs for displaced populations
- Implement and monitor humanitarian assistance programs
Course of Study
| All concentration students are required to complete the following two courses, totaling 4 units: | |||
| 221.613 | Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies | 2 units | 1st term |
| 221.641 | Measurement Methods in Humanitarian Emergencies | 2 units | 2nd term |
| Concentrators are required to take at least 9 units from the following courses: | |||
| 221.639 | Refugee Health Care | 3 units | 2nd term [Internet - 1st term] |
| 380.750 | Migration and Health: Concepts, Rates, and Relationships | 3 units | 3rd term |
| 180.670 | Introduction to Public Health Emergency Preparedness | 3 units | 4th term |
| 221.634 | Stress Management for Relief Workers | 2 units | 3rd term |
| 221.643 | Armed Conflict and Health | 2 units | 3rd term |
| 221.611 | Food/Nutrition and Livelihood in Humanitarian Emergencies | 2 units | 4th term |
| 221.642 | Mental Health Aspects of Disaster: Public Health Preparedness and Response | 2 units | 4th term |
| 340.639 | Assessing Epidemiologic Impact of Human Rights Violations | 2 units | 4th term |
| 221.640 | Children in Crisis | 2 units | 4th term |
| Remaining Concentration Credits may be obtained from the following courses | |||
| 551.608 | Managing Non-Governmental Organizations in the Health Sector * | 3 units | 3rd term |
| 220.601 | Introduction to International Health | 4 units | 1st term [Internet - 4th term] |
| 221.627 | Issues in the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low Income Countries | 4 units | 2nd term |
| 221.614 | International Political Science for Public Health Practitioners | 2 units | 2 term |
| 221.661 | Project Development for Primary Health Care in Developing Countries | 4 units | 4th term |
| 221.616 | Ethics of Public Health Practice in Developing Countries | 2 units | 4th term |
| 330.620 | Issues in Mental Health Research in Developing Countries | 3 units | 2nd term [Internet - 2nd term] |
*Also fulfills MPH core requirement.
Capstone Experience
The MPH Capstone Experience is an opportunity for students to integrate concentration issues with various public health skills and competencies gained through the year. Students will work individually or in small groups, and with the support and advice of a capstone advisor, to develop specific projects or concepts. Students are required to register for the 2-unit MPH Capstone Course (XXX.800) in the fourth term. (The XXX refers to the department of your capstone advisor. In International Health, for example, this would be 220.800.) These two units count toward the MPH degree, but not toward the concentration requirements.
Concentration Seminar
As part of the concentration and capstone experience, all students will be expected to participate in a year-long seminar series that will meet once a month.
Faculty Concentration Directors
Courtland Robinson, PhD, Assistant Professor, International Health, 410-955-3892, crobinso@jhsph.edu
Shannon Doocy, PhD, Assistant Professor, International Health, 410-502-2628, sdoocy@jhsph.edu