Training Humanitarian Response Leaders in the Middle East and Africa
Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) collaborated with the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office to bring its humanitarian response intensive course to Jordan, marking the first time this course was held outside the U.S. Participants from across the Middle East & Africa learned key concepts related to the humanitarian field and enhanced their practical skills needed to work in global crisis situations.
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Humanitarian Geoanalytics Program
'Nowhere and no one is safe': spatial analysis of damage to critical civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the Israeli military campaign, 7 October to 22 November 2023
Conflict and Health
This study examines the impact of the Israeli military campaign on critical civilian infrastructures – health, education, and water facilities – in Gaza through spatial analysis. Researchers assess damage and use spatial statistics to explore broader questions regarding Israel’s adherence to International Humanitarian Law, specifically in terms of protecting these essential services.
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Humanitarian Action and the Environment Program
The Environmental Health Impacts of Russia's War on Ukraine
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
Reviewing data collected on the impact of war on the environment, researchers highlight the limitations of international governance for protecting the environment during war. The study, centered on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, underscores the extensive environmental damage caused and the necessity for stronger measures to safeguard the environment in conflict zones.
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Humanitarian Update:
HHI’s Global Humanitarian Priorities
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The case for greater academic engagement in the humanitarian sphere has never been more important. Humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels –
- 103 million people displaced, more than any time in history.
- 69 million people are on the brink of famine.
- 300 million people require humanitarian aid in 72 countries, a 63% increase in two years. Total aid budget over $46 billion.
As HHI approaches its 20th year, we will redouble our efforts to engage with our partner NGOs and UN agencies to promote the advancement of research and evidence-informed policy, the recognition of humanitarian norms, and the investment in educating future leaders. This mission has never been more critical.
Michael VanRooyen, MD, MPH
Director, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
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HHI 2024 Humanitarian Response Simulation | | |
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The 2024 iteration of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative's Humanitarian Response Simulation was conducted successfully on April 26-28, 2024 at the Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, Massachusetts. 110 students from HHI’s Humanitarian Response Intensive Course (HRIC) and the Harvard Chan School’s International Humanitarian Response II course (GHP 518) participated in the simulation, and more than 160 volunteers helped make the simulation a success. Students came from over 26 countries and were grouped into 18 NGO teams to respond to a simulated complex humanitarian emergency. | |
Highlights from Recent HHI Webinars | |
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A Conversation with Dr. Petra Khoury
An insightful discussion with Dr. Petra Khoury on the role of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in emergency contexts and humanitarian response interventions.
Safeguarding Health in Gaza and the West Bank
A panel discussion focused on the attacks on healthcare and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank through the lens of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Crisis in Gaza: Scenario-Based Health Impact Projections
An event focused on public health impacts of the Gaza crisis, featuring scenario-based projections from researchers at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health.
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Emergency Health Systems Program Distinctions | |
Best Research Award: "Effectiveness of Just-in-Time Prehospital Trauma Education in Ukraine" by the Prehospital Trauma Fundamentals Team at the Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference Scientific Assembly.
Best Poster Award: Alexa Tovsen, PA at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Global Health Week Symposium and Poster Day for "Sustainability of the Ukraine Trauma Care Response Program."
2024 Humanitarian Service Award: Dr. Sean Kivlehan by the Global Emergency Medicine Academy.
2024 Young Physician Award: Dr. Nichole Michaeli by the Global Emergency Medicine Academy.
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Karima Rehmani, MA
Program Manager
Humanitarian Academy - Partner Programs
Karima provides strategic guidance on programmatic activities and oversees the day-to-day management of the Building a Better Response Program, led by Dr. Phuong Pham. Prior to joining the team, Karima worked at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she supported the implementation and evaluation of early childhood development trials in low- and middle-income countries. Karima’s expertise includes providing technical assistance on child development, project and people management, implementation and process evaluation, qualitative research methods, and strengthening education systems.
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Interested in the Building a Better Response Program?
Are you looking to enhance your skills and knowledge in emergency response and disaster management? HHI is offering a free e-learning course, Building a Better Response (BBR) provides foundational training in the international humanitarian coordination system.
BBR Reach
- 99,200 Cumulative Registrations
- Courses Available in: English, French, Arabic, and Spanish
- Other Languages: Ukrainian, Polish, Turkish, Dari, Urdu, Portuguese, and Russian
- Global Impact: Reached participants in 233 countries
Why Enroll?
- Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from industry experts with real-world experience.
- Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials.
- Interactive Content: Engage with high-quality videos, quizzes, and practical assignments.
- Certification: Earn a certificate upon completion to boost your professional credentials.
Enroll Now and Start Building a Better Response!
For more information, contact the BBR team at support@buildingabetterresponse.org
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HHI 2023-2024 Spark Grantees | |
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Surafel Tsegaye, MD, MPH
Dr. Surafel Tsegaye graduated with a Master of Public Health in Health Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in May. He has a rich background in public health and medical entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Through the Spark Grant, Surafel conducted a research project in Ethiopia titled "Adaptive Strategies in Hospital Operations: A Qualitative Study Evaluating Shifts in Response to Armed Conflict at Ayder Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia."
Disha Ganjegunte
From El Paso, Texas, Disha Ganjegunte is currently enrolled in the Masters of Global Health and Population program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Disha has studied and worked with conflict negotiation and health systems in several high violence countries. She has been analyzing climate change crisis-induced humanitarian response systems in Manaus, Brazil. Disha plans to combine her film making skills and humanitarian background to help raise awareness about social issues and increase empathy globally.
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Congratulations to the following HHI Faculty on their recent promotion! | | |
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Timothy B. Erickson, MD, FACEP, FACMT, FAACT
Director, Humanitarian Action and the Environment Program
Professor of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
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Meet Our New HHI Team Members | |
Interested in making a difference in the humanitarian field globally? Stay up to date with our latest career opportunities. | |
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