221.611.01
Food Security and Nutrition in Humanitarian Emergencies

Cancelled

Prerequisite:

Undergraduate students or graduate students outside JHSPH must have taken 221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies OR 221.615 Health Emergencies in Large Populations for a letter grade or pass/fail prior to taking this course

Description:

Examines food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies as they appear in different types of humanitarian emergencies. Discusses the profiles of international relief organizations involved in nutrition and food assistance are presented and common nutrition and food assistance interventions in emergency settings. Factors contributing to food insecurity are considered and various response modalities, including in-kind assistance and cash-based approaches, are discussed. Teaches students to appraise and compare content, cost, and logistical considerations associated with large-scale food assistance programs and become familiar with nutrition surveys and curative nutrition programs. Emphasizes development of practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in field settings.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Define common nutritional deficiencies in emergencies and specify how these should be corrected
2. Assess population nutrition status and household food security
3. Determine how a food assistance should be targeted, provided and monitored
4. Discuss the dynamics of food assistance in the emergency context, including policy factors, key organizations involved in provision of food assistance, and current food crises

Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

• 85% Student evaluation based on a series of assignments
• 15% Attendance/participation in class discussions

Instructor Consent:

No consent required