University of Geneva

Humanitarian Health

University of Geneva

Humanitarian Health

Bayard Roberts
Nelly Staderini
Michelle Lokot

Instructors: Bayard Roberts

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Humanitarian landscape covering key actors and coordination mechanisms

  • Health priorities in humanitarian settings and evidence-based approaches

  • Trends and issues shaping the future of humanitarianism

Details to know

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Recently updated!

April 2026

Assessments

19 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, we explore the humanitarian landscape together covering the different types of humanitarian crises, their evolving nature, and uncovering what these changes mean for humanitarian responses. We will examine the core humanitarian principles, tackle ethical dilemmas using established frameworks, and dive into the legal systems that hold humanitarian actors accountable. By the end of the module, you will have learned about the essentials of the humanitairan section, setting you up to dive into health priorities and strategies as part of the next module.

What's included

10 videos5 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module, we will focus on health programming in humanitarian crises. You will discover how to assess and address health needs, especially for vulnerable populations, while managing the indirect effects of crises. From controlling infectious disease outbreaks and tackling malnutrition to meeting reproductive health needs, we will explore practical strategies for addressing these needs. By covering these range of topics, you will get a solid overview of humanitarian health programming. This overview will help those of you that are new to humanitarian health; at the same time it can help people currently working on specific programs to zoom out and see the big picture.

What's included

13 videos5 readings5 assignments

Equipped with the knowledge of health priorities and strategies to address them, we now focus on the practical aspects of humanitarian health programs. You will learn about crisis response plans, community engagement and the role of field epidemiology in implementing projects. We will also touch on related programs that are beyond healthcare delivery but play a key role in preventing disease. Even more so than the other modules, we will be hearing from implementing organisations including from Médecins Sans Frontières.

What's included

11 videos7 readings5 assignments

In this fourth and final module, our attention from the existing humanitarian sector to its future. There is no shortage of crises in this century that exemplify the shortcomings of what humanitarian organisations are able to do. Funding shortfalls, disrespect for international law, attacks on healthcare, and the disruption through digital techologies - are some of the many challenges. We explore some of these key trends and pose the question of what they mean for humanitarianism as we know it.

What's included

9 videos8 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts

Instructors

Bayard Roberts
University of Geneva
0 Courses0 learners

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