Chronic Diseases in Humanitarian Setting

It is estimated that two-thirds of deaths worldwide are attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic lung disease comprising the largest burden of NCDs. However, chronic diseases, including NCDs, have until recently received little attention in humanitarian settings, leaving prevention, care and treatment needs largely unaddressed among some of the most vulnerable populations. The rising numbers of refugees requiring health services, the protracted nature of modern displacement, and the changing demographics of populations living in fragile states have created compelling new health needs and challenges. It is unclear what chronic disease interventions are effective and feasible in such settings, how best to deliver them, and how well interventions are adhering to clinical best practice. As a result, there are increasing calls for a better understanding of chronic diseases and their interventions in humanitarian settings and protracted crises.

This course will introduce students to an overview of chronic diseases in protracted crises, including armed conflict and political instability. The course will utilize a combination of lectures, case studies, interactive class discussions, small group exercises and presentations by expert practitioners. Chronic diseases that will be explored include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease. This course will also address chronic disabilities, HIV, tuberculosis and mental health within the spectrum of chronic diseases. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the contextual factors (including forced migration, natural emergencies, armed conflict, political instability and fragile states) that constrain the response to chronic diseases. Using a social and political determinants of health framework, students will gain an understanding of the main topics related to chronic diseases, including access to health care and the health care system, and case studies examining strategies and interventions for promoting health and health outcomes. The needs of vulnerable population sub-groups, including women, children, older persons and forced migrants will receive particular attention in each session. Students will be equipped with both the knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate a program to address chronic diseases, adapted to specific contexts and integrated into national and global humanitarian response systems.