|
The landscape of humanitarian assistance is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a complex interplay of evolving crises, diverse actors, and emerging global threats. Traditional approaches to humanitarian aid are proving inadequate in the face of increasingly multifaceted and protracted emergencies, ranging from armed conflicts to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Dr. Michael VanRooyen, Director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI), emphasizes the critical need for robust humanitarian research to navigate these challenges effectively.
| |
|
Humanitarian Action and the Environment Program
Occupational, environmental,
and toxicological health risks of mining metals for lithium-ion batteries: a narrative review
of the Pubmed database
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
This review evaluates the increased mining of key metals–cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel–used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), underscoring the significant health risks involved. Analyzing 183 studies, it highlights respiratory issues from cobalt and nickel, neurological effects from manganese, and a critical gap in lithium data. The findings stress the need for further research to fully understand and address the risks of the world’s growing reliance on LIBs.
| |
| | |
|
Emergency Health Systems Program
Expanding trauma education during war: pediatric trauma fundamentals training in Ukraine
Frontiers in Pubic Health
This research highlights efforts to train healthcare providers in pediatric trauma care through an academic and non-governmental partnership amidst the ongoing conflict. The findings offer important recommendations for sustainability and localization of long-term training programs.
| |
| | |
Humanitarian Responsive Intensive Course 2025 | | |
|
Registration for the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course (HRIC) is now open. The course will be offered in-person from April 22 – May 4, 2025. The course will be held in Boston, MA and, as before, include a three-day fully immersive humanitarian simulation. | |
|
Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises
On May 9-10, 2024, the International Alliance for Diabetes Action hosted the 4th Symposium on Diabetes in Humanitarian Crises in Athens, Greece. Sponsored by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, this hybrid event was organized in collaboration with the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and other partners. It brought together over 100 attendees from 62 organizations across 33 countries, aiming to enhance collaborative efforts and shared learning between key agencies involved in diabetes care for people experiencing humanitarian crisis.
| | | |
|
Emergency Health Systems Program
-
New Team Members: We warmly welcome AN Na, MD, MPH, MSc (DrPH candidate), Michelle Gonnet, MD (MPH candidate), and Courtney Bearnot, MD, MPH (Global Health Fellow) to the Emergency Health Systems team.
-
Conference Highlight: Dr. Donell Harvin presented the work of the Ukraine Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNe) Team at the Global Health Security Conference held in Sydney, Australia, in June 2024.
-
Special Recognition: Dr. Sean Kivlehan was honored at the EMS World Expo, where the award for the winner of the Stand and Deliver novice speaker competition was renamed the ‘Sean Kivlehan, MD, MPH, NRP Stand and Deliver Award’ in recognition of his contributions to the field.
| | | |
Highlights from Recent HHI Webinars
Dr. Marie Bélizaire joined the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative for a critical conversation on strengthening community engagement during public health emergencies. This insightful webinar drew on lessons from the Mpox experience and provided effective strategies for making a meaningful impact.
Harvard Humanitarian Initiative's Global Showcase
As part of Harvard Worldwide Week 2024, we presented the global work done by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, aimed at improving the lives of communities in humanitarian crises. Participants learned more about our research and educational programs, and how to stay connected with HHI.
Oropuche virus: A New Threat in the Americas
Oropuche virus, previously limited to the Amazon Basin, is now spreading rapidly across the Americas. During this webinar, Dr. Eric Nilles, Director of the Program on Infectious Diseases and Humanitarian Emergencies at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiatives explores the epidemiology, clinical features, and the potential risks posed by this emerging pathogen.
| |
Visiting Scientists Spotlight | |
|
|
|
Anna Kneifel, MA
A Harvard Graduate, Anna Kneifel is currently UNHCR’s Senior Development Officer for the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, frequently traveling to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. She has previously combined development and humanitarian efforts at the World Bank in Washington, DC, and served as a Humanitarian Affairs Officer with the United Nations in Syria and Libya for four years. Anna holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University and completed her undergraduate studies at Freie Universitaet Berlin and the University of Cambridge.
| | | |
Meet Our New Faculty Members | |
Interested in making a difference in the humanitarian field globally? Stay up to date with our latest career opportunities. | | | | Follow Us for More Updates | | | | |
