Course Title

POPG5006 Disaster and Humanitarian Crisis

(Also serves for CCOUC certificate course)

Module Coordinator

Prof. Emily Chan

Credits

2

Prerequisite (s) or Recommended Background

Level: [ ] Beginner [x ] Advanced

Pre-requisite: POPG5001; non-MPH students are required to have relevant academic or work experience upon decision by module coordinator

Time

See below

Description

Disaster and humanitarian responses are crucial elements in public health practices. Humanitarian relief actions often highlight the importance of mitigation, preparedness, training and multidisciplinary collaborative response within and beyond the health and medical sector. This course offers an overview of the disaster management cycle and the public health and medical implications of disaster and humanitarian crisis. It aims to show how public health principles may be applied in disaster relief and how evidence-based health related humanitarian actions can be planned, implemented and evaluated.

Topic

Contents/fundamental concepts

1. Public Health and Humanitarian Principles in disaster settings

1. Humanitarian principles

2. Application of public health principles in disaster settings

3. Global humanitarian response systems, resources and actors

2. Mitigation and Preparedness: Management of Natural hazards

1. Epidemiology of natural hazards

2. Health, medical and humanitarian implications of natural hazards (earthquake, floods and meteorological related disasters)

3. Health needs of mobile population

4. Planning Strategies on mitigation and preparedness

3. Mitigation and Preparedness: Management of Man-made hazards

1. Epidemiology of man-made hazards

2. Health, medical and humanitarian implications of man-made hazards (nuclear, fire, transport and industrial accidents)

3. Planning Strategies on mitigation and preparedness

4. Mitigation and Preparedness: Management of Complex emergencies

1. Epidemiology of complex emergencies

2. Health, medical and humanitarian implications of complex emergencies (Ethiopia Famine, Rwanda, Niger crisis)

3. Issues in disaster and medical humanitarian settings (security risks and health systems in fragile states)

4. Planning Strategies on mitigation and preparedness

5. Preparedness, Resilience and International Policies in Disaster Settings

1. Current international policy updates & global disaster response policies (Sphere Standards)

2. Needs of vulnerable subgroups & for disaster preparedness and resilience

3. Disaster risk reduction, training and collaborations, and limitations

Student should be able to:

1. understand and identify key health and medical implications in humanitarian settings;

2. apply public health principles in disaster response and humanitarian settings;

3. gain an overview of the disaster management cycle and its respective planning in humanitarian settings;

4. devise disaster risk reduction strategies for disaster management programs to respond to population needs in disaster and humanitarian relief settings.

Day

Date 2016

Hrs

Topic

Format

Lecturer

Venue

1

20 June 2019
(Thu)
PM
1:30-5:30pm

4

Public health & Humanitarian Principles in Disaster Settings

Lecture

Emily Chan

Tutorial Rm, 3/F

2

27 June 2019
(Thu)
AM
9:30-12:00nn

2.5

Management of Natural and Man-made Hazards & Complex Emergencies

Lecture

Emily Chan

Tutorial Rm, 3/F

27 June 2019
 (Thu)
PM
1:00-3:30pm

2.5

SPHERE Standard &
Case discussion
(1)- The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar

Lecture

Cheuk Pong Chiu

27 June 2019 (Thu)
PM
3:30-5:30pm

2

21^st Century Challenge in Disaster and Humanitarian System

Lecture

Natasha Reyes

3

28 June 2019
(Fri)
AM
9:30-12:30am

3

NGO Governance in Disaster

Lecture

Gloria Chan

Tutorial Rm, 3/F &KCT Hall, G/F

28 June 2019 (Fri)
PM
1:30-2:30pm

1

Preparation of Simulation Exercise

In-class Exercise

Emily Chan & Tutors

28 June 2019 (Fri)
PM
2:30-5:30pm

3

Humanitarian Crisis: Simulation Exercise

In-class Exercise

Emily Chan

4

29 June 2019
(Sat)
AM
9:30-12:30pm

3

International Policy in Risk Reduction

Lecture

Virginia Murray

Tutorial Rm, 3/F

29 June 2019
(Sat)
PM
1:30-3pm

1.5

Case discussion
(2) Fukushima Daiichi: The Path to Nuclear Meltdown

Lecture

Cheuk Pong Chiu

29/6/2019
(Sat)
PM
3-5:30pm

2.5

Revision & Examination

Exam

Tutors

Assessment Scheme

Description

Weight

Attendance

*Students are expected to attend at least 80% of the lectures to be eligible to sit in the final examination.

*0%

Written Assignment: Case Study

Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies in a disaster prone community
- Not more than 1000 words (Less than 4 pages)
- Content:
  • Describe a disaster/humanitarian crisis
  • Analyze the case with at least one theory learnt in class
  • Propose a health emergency disaster risk reduction program/policy/strategy which might reduce potential health risk/impact of the affected population

45%

Final Examination

• 60 minutes examination
• Based on lectures and topic discussed

45%

Class Participation

• Engagement in Tutorial / Case discussions
• Engagement in Simulation Exercise

10%

a) Required textbooks or readings

Book: Chan, E.Y.Y., 2017. Public health humanitarian responses to natural disasters. London: Routledge. Available from: https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138953703

Bradt, D. A. 2009. Evidence-based Decision-making in Humanitarian Assistance. Humanitarian Practice Network Paper, 67. London: Humanitarian Practice Network.

Chan, E.Y.Y., Murray, V. 2017. What are the health research needs for the Sendai Framework? The Lancet. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/
article/pii/S0140673617316707

Checchi, F., Gayer, M., Grais, R. F., & Mills, E. J. 2007. Public Health in Crisis-affected Populations: A Practical Guide for Decision-makers. Humanitarian Practice Network Paper, 61. London: Humanitarian Practice Network.

Guha-Sapir, D., Hoyois, P., Below, R.. 2014. Annual Disaster Statistical Review 2014: The Numbers and Trends. CRED. Brussels: CRED.

Lo S.T.T., Chan E.Y.Y.,, Chan G.K.W., Murray V, Abrahams J, Ardalan A, Kayano R, Chung J.W.Y. 2017. Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM): developing the research field within the Sendai Framework paradigm. Int J Disaster Risk Sci. 2017. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13753-017-0122-0

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2012. OCHA on Message: Humanitarian Principles. Available from: https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Documents/OOM-humanitarianprinciples_eng_June12.pdf

Twigg, J. 2015. Good Practice Review 9: Disaster Risk Reduction. London: Overseas Development Institute. Available from: http://goodpracticereview.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/GPR-9-web-string-1.pdf

b) Recommended readings or resources

Castleden, M., McKee, M., Murray, V., Leonardi, G. 2001. Resilience Thinking in Health Protection. Journal of Public Health, 33(3), pp. 369-377.

Chan, E.Y.Y. 2013. Bottom-Up Disaster Resilience. Nature Geoscience, 6, pp. 327-328.
Available from: http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v6/n5/pdf/ngeo1815.pdf

Doocy, S., et al. 2013. The Human Impact of Tsunamis: a Historical Review of Events 1900-2009 and Systematic Literature Review. PLOS Currents Disasters.

Doocy, S., et al. 2013. The Human Impact of Volcanoes: a Historical Review of Events 1900-2009 and Systematic Literature Review. PLOS Currents Disasters.

Doocy, S., et al. 2013. The Human Impact of Floods: a Historical Review of Events 1980-2009 and Systematic Literature Review. PLOS Currents Disasters.

Doocy, S.,et al. 2013. The Human Impact of Earthquakes: a Historical Review of Events 1980-2009 and Systematic Literature Review. PLOS Currents Disasters.

IASC Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.
2010. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Emergencies: What Should
Humanitarian Health Actors Know?. Geneva: IASC. Available from: http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/
what_humanitarian_health_actors_should_know.pdf

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). 2007. IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial
Support in Emergency Settings. Geneva: IASC. Available from: http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/
guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007.pdf

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 2012. Caring for Volunteers: A psychosocial toolkit. Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Available from: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/
resources/Caring%20for%20Volunteers%20-%20A%20Psychosocial%20Support%20Toolkit.pdf

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. ed. Zetter, R. 2012. World Disaster Report. Geneva: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Sphere Project. 2011. Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. Rugby: Practical Action Publishing. Available from: http://www.spherehandbook.org/

Stanke, C., et al. 2013. Health Effects of Drought: a Systematic Review of the Evidence. PLOS Currents Disasters. Available from: http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/dis-13-0001-health-effects-of-drought-a-systematic-review-of-the-evidence/

World Health Organization. 2011. Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/44615/1/9789241548205_eng.pdf

World Health Organization. 2011. Health at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: Disaster Risk Management of Health Fact Sheets. [online]. Available from: http://www.who.int/hac/events/disaster_reduction_2011/en/

World Health Organization & United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 2012 Assessing Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs and Resources: Toolkit for Humanitarian Settings. Geneva: WHO. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/
10665/76796/1/9789241548533_eng.pdf

c) Required and Recommended readings for Tutorial / Case discussion

For all tutorial cases:

The Sphere Project. 2011. Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. Rugby: Practical Action Publishing. Available from: http://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/95530/The-Sphere-Project-Handbook-20111.pdf Or: http://www.spherehandbook.org/

Tutorial / Case discussion 1: The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar

1. Chan EYY, Chiu CP, Chan GKW. 2018. Medical and health risks associated with communicable diseases of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh 2017. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 68:39-43.

2. International Organization for Migration. Situation Report: Rohingya Refugee, Crisis Cox’s Bazar; 26 November 2017.Available from: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/
resources/171126_weekly_iscg_sitrep_final.pdf

3. International Organization for Migration. Humanitarian Response Plan September 2017-February 2018. Available from: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/fies/
resources/2017_HRP_Bangladesh_041017_2.pdf

4. Mahmood SS, Wroe E, Fuller A, Leaning J. 2017. The Rohingya people of Myanmar: health, human rights, and identity. Lancet, 389 (May): pp. 1841–50.

5. Milton AH, Rahman M, Hussain S, Jindal C, Choudhury S, Akter S, et al. 2017. Trapped in statelessness: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, 14(942): pp. 1–8.

6. White K. 2017. Rohingya in Bangladesh: an unfolding public health emergency. Lancet, 390(Oct): pp. 1947.

7. World Health Organization. Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Bulletin (MMWB): Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Volume No. 6: 19 November 2017. Available from: http://www.searo.who.int/bangladesh/mmwbvol6.pdf

8. World Health Organization Bangladesh. Weekly Situation Report # 28. [Internet]. WHO Bangladesh, 2018 May 31, [cited 2018 Jun 11]. Available from: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/weeklysitrep28cxbban.pdf

9. World Health Organization South-East Asia. Bangladesh: Rohingya Refugee Crisis 2017 – 2018 Public Health situation Analysis. [Internet]. WHO South-East Asia, 2018 May 07, [cited 2018 Jun 11]. Available from: http://www.searo.who.int/mediacentre/emergencies/bangladesh-myanmar/public-health-situation-analysis-may-2018.pdf?ua=1

Tutorial / Case discussion 2: Fukushima Daiichi: The Path to Nuclear Meltdown

Must read:

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster. Preparedness and Response Institute. E-learning module C02-1: Fukushima Daiichi: The Path to Nuclear Meltdown. Available from: http://www.hkjcdpri.org.hk/elearning/fukushima-daiichi-path-nuclear-meltdown

Other recommended readings:

1. Japanese Red Cross Society. Japan : Earthquake and Tsunami - 36 Month Report. 2014. Available from: http://www.jrc.or.jp/eq-japan2011/operations-update/pdf/36_Month_Report_Narrative_Final.pdf

2. Nohara M. 2011. Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami on health, medical care and public health systems in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, 2011. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal, 2 (4): pp. 24-30.

3. Onishi, N. & Fackler, M. In Nuclear Crisis, Crippling Mistrust. The New York Times. [Internet]. 2011 June 12 [cited 2016 January 6]; Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/13/world/asia/13japan.html?_r=1.

4. Reich MR, Goto A. 2015. Towards long-term response in Fukushima. Lancet, 386(9992), pp. 498-500.

5. Sppasri A, Nobuo S, Fumihiko I, Shunichi K, Erick M, Yalcinder AC. 2013. Lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami: Performance of tsunami countermeasures, costal buildings, and tsunami evacuation in Japan. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 170 (2013): pp. 993-1018.

6. Ushizawa H, Foxwell AR, Bice S, Matsui T, Ueki Y, Tosaka N, et al. 2013. Needs for disaster medicine: lessons from the field of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal, 4 (1): pp. 51-55.

7. Kodama S. 2011. Tsunami-tendenko and morality in disaster situation. Journal of Medical Ethics, 4: pp. 361-363.

8. Security Burea, The Government of HKSAR. Daya Bay Contingency Plan. Available from: http://www.dbcp.gov.hk/eng/info/index.htm

Name:

Emily Chan  (Main lecturer)

Office Location:

3/F, School of Public Health Building, PWH, Shatin

Telephone:

2252 8468

Email:

emily.chan@cuhk.edu.hk

Name:

Heidi Hung (Tutor)

Office Location:

School of Public Health Building, PWH, Shatin

Telephone:

2252 8722

Email:

heidihung@link.cuhk.edu.hk

Evaluation will be sent to students in the last lecture