Introduction

In today’s complex and interconnected world, public health crises can escalate quickly into global emergencies. Governments and public institutions must be prepared to develop, implement, and adapt robust health policies to protect populations and sustain essential services. The ability to respond to public health emergencies effectively hinges on evidence-based planning, coordinated response systems, and resilient policy frameworks.

This Public Health Policy and Emergency Preparedness Training Course is designed to equip public sector professionals with advanced knowledge and strategic tools for managing public health systems in times of crisis. The course emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, rapid response mechanisms, and future-proof policy development for sustainable public health governance.

Target Audience

• Health ministry officials and public health policy advisors
• Emergency response and disaster risk management personnel
• Hospital and healthcare system administrators
• Local government leaders and crisis coordinators
• Epidemiologists and health researchers in public institutions
• Regulatory and compliance officers in health sectors
• International development and health security practitioners

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of public health policy design
• Analyze global frameworks for emergency preparedness and response
• Develop risk assessment and health surveillance strategies
• Design multi-agency coordination systems for crisis response
• Evaluate pandemic and epidemic preparedness frameworks
• Improve institutional capacities for rapid policy implementation
• Apply data analytics in public health decision-making
• Integrate equity and access principles into health emergency planning
• Strengthen communication strategies for public trust and compliance

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Principles of Public Health Systems and Policy

• Role of government in health system governance
• Building equitable and sustainable health frameworks
• Health determinants and their policy implications
• Public health law and ethical considerations
• Intersectoral approaches to policy implementation

Module 2: Emergency Preparedness Planning and Risk Management

• Core elements of emergency preparedness frameworks
• Hazard identification and vulnerability assessments
• Health emergency operation plans
• Resource mapping and surge capacity planning
• Simulation exercises and scenario testing

Module 3: Surveillance, Early Warning, and Data Intelligence

• Epidemiological data collection systems
• Outbreak detection technologies
• Health information systems and digital platforms
• Data integration and real-time reporting
• Predictive analytics for health crises

Module 4: Multi-Sector Coordination and Crisis Governance

• Roles and responsibilities in emergency coordination
• Establishing national and sub-national coordination bodies
• Integrating public, private, and civil society roles
• Ensuring continuity of essential services
• Crisis command and control structures

Module 5: Legal and Policy Frameworks for Health Security

• International Health Regulations (IHR) compliance
• Legislative instruments for public health emergencies
• Emergency powers and regulatory limitations
• Rights-based approaches to emergency governance
• Reforming laws post-crisis for system resilience

Module 6: Health Infrastructure and Resource Mobilization

• Strengthening public health infrastructure
• Emergency procurement and logistics systems
• Health workforce deployment strategies
• Stockpiling and supply chain resilience
• Budgeting and donor coordination mechanisms

Module 7: Risk Communication and Public Engagement

• Crisis communication principles and channels
• Managing public perception and misinformation
• Community engagement for behavioral change
• Media relations in health emergencies
• Building institutional credibility and trust

Module 8: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Policy Adaptation

• Real-time performance tracking tools
• Post-crisis reviews and after-action reporting
• Adaptive learning in public health governance
• Integrating lessons into national policy cycles
• Resilience indicators and benchmarking

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 10 working days before commencement of the training.