Health systems globally face an increasing threat from a variety of natural and human-made disasters. The ability of a healthcare organization to not only respond effectively but to proactively reduce its vulnerability is a critical skill for modern managers. This training course provides a structured approach to integrating disaster risk reduction into all aspects of health management, ensuring that facilities and services remain operational and resilient when they are needed most. By building a foundation of strategic planning and operational readiness, this program empowers health managers to protect both their staff and the communities they serve.

This intensive program is designed for health managers seeking to move beyond conventional disaster response to a more comprehensive strategy of risk reduction. Participants will learn how to conduct thorough risk assessments, develop actionable mitigation plans, and lead their teams in building a culture of preparedness. By focusing on practical application and real-world case studies, this course offers the essential tools and knowledge to create a more resilient healthcare system, capable of withstanding shocks and providing continuous care in the face of adversity.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Hospital and clinic administrators
• Public health emergency coordinators
• Directors of emergency medical services
• Health facility safety officers
• NGO and humanitarian health managers
• Government health department officials
• Healthcare quality and compliance managers
• Infrastructure and logistics managers
• Clinical department heads
• Community health program supervisors

Objectives

• Master the principles of disaster risk reduction and its relevance to healthcare.
• Conduct a comprehensive hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessment for a health facility.
• Develop and implement a multi-hazard health emergency preparedness plan.
• Formulate effective strategies for mitigating risks to health infrastructure.
• Understand the role of communication and coordination in a disaster response.
• Manage the health workforce before, during, and after a disaster.
• Plan for the continuity of essential health services under duress.
• Analyze the financial and economic impacts of disasters on health systems.
• Lead a team in the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction process.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Disaster Risk Reduction

• The concept and evolution of disaster risk reduction (DRR).
• The relationship between DRR and health system resilience.
• Key international frameworks for disaster management.
• The role of health managers in the DRR cycle.
• Understanding different types of hazards and their impact on health.

Module 2: Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Tools and methodologies for conducting a risk assessment.
• Identifying health facility vulnerabilities and capacities.
• Analyzing the potential impact of various hazards on health services.
• Utilizing data to inform risk reduction strategies.
• Conducting a business impact analysis for essential health services.

Module 3: Mitigation and Structural Safety

• Non-structural mitigation measures for health facilities.
• Strategies for safeguarding critical infrastructure and equipment.
• Implementing a safe hospital initiative.
• The importance of early warning systems and monitoring.
• Protecting medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

Module 4: Preparedness and Emergency Planning

• Developing a comprehensive health emergency preparedness plan.
• Conducting drills and simulations to test readiness.
• The role of command, control, and coordination systems.
• Establishing effective communication protocols and warning systems.
• Planning for patient surge and mass casualty events.

Module 5: Emergency Response and Operations

• Activating the emergency operations center.
• Managing resources and logistics during a disaster.
• The role of public health in a disaster response.
• Coordinating with external agencies and partners.
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of the health workforce.

Module 6: Recovery and Post-Disaster Health

• Conducting a rapid health needs assessment after a disaster.
• Planning for the psychosocial support of affected communities and staff.
• Strategies for health facility recovery and reconstruction.
• Learning from past disasters through post-action reviews.
• Building back better and integrating resilience into recovery.

Module 7: Climate Change and Future Risks

• The link between climate change and disaster frequency and intensity.
• Anticipating and preparing for emerging public health threats.
• The role of health systems in climate change adaptation.
• Building a resilient and sustainable health system.
• Future trends in disaster risk reduction for health.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.