COURSE UNIT 1: DISASTER MANAGEMENT PREPAREDNESS AND PLANNING

INTRODUCTION

In this course unit we will be discussing personal and institutional based preparedness for disasters and large-scale public health emergencies. This course will provide students with a heightened awareness and understanding of the natural and man-made hazards that create disaster events. Course content is designed to assist students in acquiring cutting-edge, evidence-based disaster knowledge and skills in order to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.

We start by presenting an overview of the foundational concepts underlying disaster preparedness with a focus on understanding individual public health worker roles and responsibilities within our existing emergency response systems as well as for personal and family preparedness. Next, we consider all components of a well-designed institutional preparedness program including redundant communications and situational awareness, the role of the public health in disaster operations and logistics, and education and training for workforce development. Finally, we cover the roles and responsibilities of public health worker in response to specific disaster and public health emergency events resulting from acts of terrorism, pandemic influenza and emerging highly infectious disease, chemical, biological and radiological emergencies, and natural disasters. 

Learning outcomes

1. Teach students skills to use information technology to access current disaster-relevant information for assessing, planning, mitigating, responding to and recovery from disaster from local through global levels.
2. Create or strengthen an appreciation for the practical value of theory with a strong focus on capacity building and evidence based practice
3. Give students knowledge of the social factors affecting disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
4. Provide an understanding of the social nature of natural hazards and disasters

Facilitator: Dr.Etienne RUGIGANA