Certificate Programs

Overview

Sponsoring department

• International Health

Educational Objectives

This certificate program focuses on humanitarian assistance in the international health context. The program is a major educational activity of the Center for International Emergency, Disaster and Refugee Studies. The Center receives technical assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, American Red Cross, UN High Commission for Refugees, US Public Health Service, and various humanitarian agencies and organizations. Graduates will be able to:

1. Assess an emergency situation to identify immediate and longer term assistance needs and additional resources required.
2. Identify specific health (including psychosocial and mental health) needs of populations affected; plan and implement activities to meet these needs, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of assistance provided.
3. Understand the principles of organization and administration of relief services, and collaborate and cooperate with local and international non-governmental organizations, host governments, military forces and United Nations agencies.
4. Understand the epidemiology of natural and man-made disasters and how to collect, analyze, and use information.
5. Plan and implement disaster preparedness, response and mitigation activities.
6. Identify disease outbreaks and to know how to contain them in a timely manner.
7. Know the public health consequences of natural disasters and their management.
8. Outline the basic requirements for a food and nutrition program for a disaster-affected population.
9. Understand the basics of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and human rights principles and know how to identify and document their abuses.
10. Have a basic understanding of the political environment in which population displacement occurs.

Gainful Employment Program Information

Intended Audience

This certificate program is intended for degree students in the School who may be responsible for the health of displaced populations. MPH students who have a major career interest in humanitarian emergencies and human rights are encouraged to pursue the MPH concentration, Humanitarian Assistance: Health and Human Rights. The concentration has more depth and includes a seminar and additional course requirements.

Admissions Criteria

Students must be admitted to a degree program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.