The United Nations have estimated that, almost 339 million people around the globe needed humanitarian assistance in 2023. Studying courses on humanitarian crises and emergencies provides essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to humanitarian disasters, manage emergency situations, and support vulnerable populations in times of crisis. We have compiled a list of top-rated courses on humanitarian crises and emergencies offered by top universities. All courses are free to audit. You can choose to opt-in for a paid certificate for an extra fee.
Public Health in Humanitarian Crises (John Hopkins University)
This course introduces a public health approach to addressing challenges faced by people affected by humanitarian crises. It covers topics such as changes in disease patterns, healthcare access, shelter, nutrition, and sanitation. The course offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical examples from recent disasters, taught by experienced instructors and guest lecturers. It consists of 10 modules: Humanitarian Disasters and Public Health; Humanitarian Actors and Coordination; Water and Sanitation; Livelihoods and Food Security in Humanitarian Crises; Nutrition in Humanitarian Crises; Management of Diseases in Humanitarian Crises; Health Care in Humanitarian Emergencies; Shelter in a Humanitarian Setting; Protection of Displaced Populations: Human Rights & Humanitarian Law; and Emerging Risks, Challenges, and Opportunities for Future Humanitarian Emergencies.
Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies (Emory University)
The Center for Humanitarian Emergencies, a partnership between CDC’s Emergency Response and Recovery Branch and the Rollins School of Public Health, focuses on global collaboration, research, and evidence-based training to enhance the well-being of populations impacted by humanitarian emergencies. The course offered by the Center covers technical and management principles for planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on refugees in camp settings. The course includes modules on assessment, nutrition, epidemiology, surveillance, and program management within the context of international relief operations. By completing the course, learners will develop the ability to describe and understand complex humanitarian crises, calculate epidemiological measures, design culturally responsive public health programs, and identify challenges affecting the delivery of essential services in humanitarian emergencies.
Disaster Preparedness (University of Pittsburgh)
This course offers essential knowledge and skills for developing core competencies of disaster readiness and survival planning. It covers techniques to ensure personal protection, family safety, and property security during natural disasters, regardless of one’s geographical location. It also addresses preparation for various emergency scenarios and inconveniences, such as limited access to essential resources like water, electricity, and banking facilities. Throughout the course, learners will explore the Disaster Cycle, focusing on the Mitigation and Recovery phases. They will create a comprehensive personal preparedness plan, learn practical strategies to maintain a positive mindset during disasters, and gain insights into the role of institutions and governments in disaster response. By completing the course, learners will be better equipped to face and cope with potential challenges brought about by natural disasters.
Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings (University of Copenhagen)
Non-Communicable Diseases in Humanitarian Settings is an online course offered by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant cause of death globally. However, they have received limited attention in humanitarian settings, leaving vulnerable populations without adequate prevention, care, and treatment. The course focuses on NCDs in humanitarian emergencies, addressing the challenges and dilemmas that arise and exploring potential solutions. Natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies negatively impact disease levels and hinder the prevention, treatment, and care of people with NCDs. Disrupted healthcare systems, prolonged displacement, and deliberate targeting of health personnel further exacerbate the problem. The course aims to provide knowledge and strategies to address NCD-related issues in humanitarian settings, considering the importance of these diseases in global health and their inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Global Health and Humanitarianism (University of Manchester)
This course provides an overview of global health and humanitarianism, exploring the interconnections between both fields. It is structured around three key themes, which include global health, humanitarian responses and dilemmas, as well as the right to humanitarian assistance and the responsibility to protect. The course offers a range of readings, resources, and suggested activities to suit a variety of interests and learning goals. Throughout the course, diverse opinions and debates are presented with the aim of fostering an inclusive environment for exploring and sharing perspectives. In total the course takes roughly six weeks to complete.
Confronting Gender Based Violence: Global Lessons for Healthcare Workers (John Hopkins University)
This course is designed for healthcare professionals. It aims to provide a better understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and covers the global epidemiology of GBV, its impact on health outcomes, relevant research, and clinical best practices for prevention, support, and management of GBV. The core curriculum offers a global perspective on GBV, emphasizing a strong health sector response and teaching essential competencies for various healthcare professionals. Completion of the core content is required to pass the course, which takes approximately 22 hours. An optional honors curriculum delves deeper into specific issues, special populations, and specialized topics. Students who complete the honors curriculum receive a Certificate of Accomplishment with Honors. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the global epidemiology of GBV, understand the challenges and strategies for integrating GBV response in the health sector, and demonstrate knowledge of comprehensive clinical assessment, treatment, management, and psychosocial support for GBV survivors.
