Health in Humanitarian Crisis (MHV203)

The objective of the course is to equip the students with concepts and perspectives in assessing and analyzing health needs in humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian crises due to global, national and local disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts and other social and political instability are critical threats to health, both physical, psychological and social. Both slow and sudden crises cause vulnerability and fragility globally. The growing impact of crises on health and public health systems and local communities has generated a need for professionals who are able to understand and respond adequately to the complexity in these crises. The complexity of crisis affects all sectors of the society also the living condition of all groups, particular vulnerable groups including people with disabilities; rehabilitation systems; the school system and work opportunities. The civil sectors resources are also challenged, and this may contribute to increased inequality and exclusions mechanism in the broad practice of inclusive citizenship.

The course is based on a comprehensive understanding of health according to WHO definition. Further, the course is based on resilience approach, building on the resources of the individual, social networks and local community, considered the specific cultural context. The right to fully experience both civil, political and social citizenship rights is emphasized.

The course is conducted digital.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

MHV203

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

  • Humanitarian crises and complex emergencies.
  • Health challenges and health care in humanitarian crises
  • Health challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Resilience theory and methods.
  • Theories of development and democracy strengthening.
  • Ethical principles, human rights and main legal framework in humanitarian crises
  • Determinants of health, and health systems anchored in specific political, socio-economic, cultural and epidemiological settings during humanitarian crises.
  • Methods in community work/community building, participatory action research with the communities to understand theories of justice to strengthening inclusive and activist's citizenship practices.
  • Global partners in health: Global health architecture and governance, and the roles and interplay of transnational, governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate:

  • Has advanced knowledge in the field of global health as a multidisciplinary and multisectoral field during humanitarian crisis.
  • Can analyze central characteristics of humanitarian crisis.
  • Has advanced knowledge about determinants of health, and health systems anchored in specific political, socio-economic, cultural and epidemiological settings during humanitarian crisis.
  • Has thorough knowledge about the Sustainable Development Goals related to major health challenges in humanitarian crisis and the goals importance for national priority setting.

Skills:

The candidate:

  • Can apply a resilience and citizenship perspective and relevant theories assessing health needs to case studies in humanitarian crisis.
  • Can design a plan of action responding to specific health needs on various levels, either from individual, community and/or transnational perspectives.
  • Can analyze strategies for health recovery during humanitarian crisis in specific political, socio-economic, cultural and epidemiological settings.

General Competence:

The candidate:

  • Can apply relevant knowledge and skills related to analyzing and responding to health needs in humanitarian crisis in various settings.
  • Can communicate and discuss health strategies in humanitarian crisis.
  • Can analyze relevant academical and professional health related ethical issues and be able to use main legal instruments that are the basis for decision making in humanitarian crisis.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
semester assignment 1/1 Letter grades

• Individual home exam (assessing, analyzing and outline responses to specific health needs on various levels, either from the individual, community and/ or transnational perspectives.) 3000 words +/- 10%

The exam can be answered in English or Norwegian

Coursework requirements

Discussion paper

1500 words +/- 10% , passed / failed. The paper can be delivered individually or by a group (2-3 persons)

Discussion paper must be passed before the student can take the home exam.

Course teacher(s)

Study Program Director:

Kristin Akerjordet

Course coordinator:

Ingrid Tjoflåt

Method of work

Online lectures, group work, case studies and self-study.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Health in Humanitarian Crisis (MHVHHC_1) 10

Open for

The course is optional for students at the Master degree programs in Health Sciences and students at the Master's programme of Public Health Nursing, students with a health background at the Master degree program in Societal safety (UiS), and for students at the Master’ degree programs in Citizenship and Co-operation within public health and rehabilitation, Master in Community Development and Social Innovation, students with a health and social background at the Master in Intercultural Work (VID).

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in health and social sciences can apply for the course

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto