Natural and constructed hazards, new and re-emerging pathogens, conflict and rising inequity are all contributing to an ever increasing burden of mass human suffering worldwide. These threats put exposed populations at a much higher risk of new diseases, new disabilities and early death, and drain much needed resources away from development in countries which can least afford it. Other global factors such as climate change, aging societies, urbanisation, globalisation, antibiotic resistance, mass migration and the politics of isolationist nationalism complicate the context in which humanitarian and first responder agencies have to operate, More than ever
innovative public health approaches to populations in crisis are needed.

The course will be held at the Faculty of Public Health of Thammasat University Rangsit campus, just outside Bangkok. Participants will have full access to most University facilities, as well as some facilities at the nearby Asian Institute of Technology.

In 2017, the international Global Health programme of the Faulty of Public Health at Thammasat University in Thailand will open its course on Public Health and Crisis to external candidates. This 4-week course is an elective component of the Faculty’s MPH (Global Health) curriculum. The course consists of 4 linked modules, and external candidates have the opportunity to join the whole course or to choose specific modules which suit their needs.

The dates for the courses are:
1. Public Health and Natural Hazards 29 May - 02 June
2. Public Health and Conflict 05 June - 09 June
3. Outbreaks and Epidemics 12 June - 16 June
4. Public Health, Technological Hazards and Mass Casualty Management 19 June - 23 June

• Experienced humanitarian professionals who already have practical knowledge and organizational skills in the course subject areas and who are planning to move to a teaching or research career;
  
• Professional staff working for humanitarian agencies, public health agencies or first responder agencies who are looking for courses which will enhance career development opportunities for senior posts;
• Candidates of other academic courses, particularly part time and web based courses, who are looking for accredited short courses to enhance their degree.
  

• Critically review the quality and appropriateness of key public health interventions in humanitarian settings, mass casualty events and epidemics;
  
• Recognize gaps in the evidence base for current knowledge and practice in public health interventions in humanitarian settings, mass casualty events and epidemics;
• Identify research opportunities to expand the evidence base and address gaps in current knowledge and practice in public health interventions in humanitarian settings, mass casualty events and epidemics;
  
• Explore and explain the strengths and weaknesses of published articles and research papers on public health interventions in humanitarian settings, mass casualty events and epidemics.
  

Course sessions are facilitated by experts in public health and emergencies from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and faculty from Thammasat University. Guest facilitators from international humanitarian agencies based in Thailand will also facilitate sessions or join panel discussions/round table events.

The course is offered in English only. Facilitators use a mix of self learning, problem based learning and team based learning methodologies. In course work, participants are expected to apply their experience to thinking about problems set by the course facilitators and to develop logical, evidence based arguments in defence of their proposed solutions to those problems.

• Full course: $740 (THB26,500) for 4 weeks tuition only
  
• Selective package: $185 (THB6,625) per 1 week module for tuition only.

Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements and to choose their own accommodation. Options for accommodation in and near the campus will be provided and assistance given with making reservations. Participants should also ensure that they have good travel insurance cover.