In the face of a humanitarian crisis, a swift and well-coordinated health response is paramount to saving lives and alleviating suffering. The complex landscape of multiple agencies, varied resources, and diverse needs requires skilled health managers who can bring order and efficiency to chaos. This training course provides the essential knowledge and practical tools to effectively lead and participate in a coordinated humanitarian health effort, ensuring that aid is delivered strategically and equitably to those most in need.

This intensive program is designed for health professionals who are called upon to operate in emergency settings. Participants will learn how to navigate the international humanitarian architecture, establish robust coordination mechanisms, and manage multi-agency responses with a focus on accountability and impact. By mastering the art of effective health cluster coordination, this course empowers managers to optimize resource allocation, minimize service duplication, and ultimately, build a more coherent and impactful health response that protects vulnerable populations.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian health program managers
• Health cluster coordinators and information managers
• Emergency medical coordinators
• Public health emergency officers
• NGO and international aid agency staff
• Government health officials in emergency contexts
• UN agency health staff
• Health logistics and supply chain managers
• Monitoring and evaluation specialists in humanitarian settings
• Clinical and medical team leaders in crisis zones

Objectives

• Master the principles of humanitarian action and health cluster coordination.
• Navigate the architecture of the international humanitarian health system.
• Establish and lead effective multi-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Develop a strategic health response plan based on evidence and needs.
• Manage information flow and data for decision-making.
• Identify and address key health needs of affected populations.
• Ensure accountability and quality in humanitarian health services.
• Mobilize resources and advocate for health priorities in a crisis.
• Build partnerships with local actors and government counterparts.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Humanitarian Health

• The principles and standards of humanitarian action.
• The humanitarian program cycle and its components.
• The role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key agencies.
• Understanding the humanitarian-development nexus.
• Ethical considerations in humanitarian health response.

Module 2: The Health Cluster Approach

• The purpose and functions of the health cluster.
• Roles and responsibilities of the health cluster coordinator.
• The health cluster's core functions: Needs assessment, strategic planning, monitoring.
• The different types of health cluster partners and their contributions.
• Inter-cluster coordination and working with other sectors.

Module 3: Needs Assessment and Analysis

• Methods for rapid and comprehensive health needs assessments.
• Collecting, analyzing, and using health data in an emergency.
• Utilizing tools like the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP).
• Creating a shared understanding of the health situation.
• The importance of sex, age, and disability disaggregated data.

Module 4: Strategic Planning and Response Frameworks

• Developing a humanitarian health strategic response plan.
• Setting priorities and objectives for the health sector.
• The importance of harmonizing partner activities and avoiding duplication.
• Aligning with national health policies and plans.
• The role of common service provision and resource sharing.

Module 5: Information Management and Communication

• The role of the information manager in a health cluster.
• Tools and platforms for sharing information among partners.
• Creating situational reports and dashboards.
• Communicating with affected communities and local authorities.
• Managing public health messages in a crisis.

Module 6: Resource Mobilization and Advocacy

• Understanding humanitarian funding mechanisms.
• The role of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
• Developing project proposals for health interventions.
• Advocating for health sector priorities to donors and decision-makers.
• Partnering with local organizations for sustainable impact.

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability

• Monitoring the progress of the health sector response.
• Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for health activities.
• Conducting a post-response review to identify lessons learned.
• Ensuring accountability to affected populations.
• Transitioning from emergency response to recovery and development.

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.