27th April to 8th May 2026, Geneve, Switzerland.
In a world where humanitarian crises are increasingly complex, there’s a growing need for highly skilled professionals who can respond effectively to disasters, armed conflicts, and large-scale health emergencies.
The Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P.) course, offered by the University of Geneva in collaboration with key humanitarian actors, is designed to meet this urgent demand.
Running from 27 April to 8 May 2026, this two-week intensive program is more than just a training—it’s a global platform for health professionals and humanitarian workers to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and enhance their impact on the ground.
Why H.E.L.P.?
The H.E.L.P. course is built on the principle that delivering humanitarian assistance is a professional discipline, requiring a rigorous understanding of ethical standards, humanitarian law, and the intricate dynamics of health crises. Whether responding to a natural disaster or a complex emergency in a conflict zone, practitioners must navigate resource constraints, coordination challenges, and ethical dilemmas—all while striving to save lives.
This course is your opportunity to engage deeply with these challenges and develop solutions grounded in professional ethics and humanitarian principles.
What You Will Learn
The H.E.L.P. curriculum is structured into 25 expertly crafted modules, offering a comprehensive exploration of the key elements of humanitarian health response. Participants will dive into:
- Humanitarian Standards & International Humanitarian Law: Understand the legal frameworks and ethical codes that underpin humanitarian action.
- Health Systems & Healthcare Services in Emergencies: Learn to assess and strengthen health systems amid crisis conditions.
- Data & Field Epidemiology: Gain practical skills in gathering, analyzing, and using field data to inform action.
- Communicable Diseases Management: Address the control and prevention of diseases that often surge in emergency contexts.
From Theory to Action: Mastering the Planning Process
A distinctive feature of the H.E.L.P. course is its hands-on approach to emergency planning. Participants will learn to:
- Conduct comprehensive needs assessments
- Analyze complex crisis contexts
- Prioritize actions and allocate resources
- Draft actionable intervention plans
- Implement, monitor, and evaluate field activities effectively
This process-oriented training ensures that by the end of the course, participants are equipped not just with knowledge, but with practical strategies for immediate application in the field.
Who Should Attend?
This course is tailored for professionals who already hold strategic or managerial responsibilities in the humanitarian or public health sectors. Ideal candidates include:
- Health professionals and public health officers
- Epidemiologists and data analysts
- Water and environmental engineers
- Legal advisors and policy experts in humanitarian law
Why This Course Matters
In crises, the difference between life and death often lies in the speed, precision, and ethical integrity of humanitarian response. The H.E.L.P. course not only sharpens technical skills but fosters a deep understanding of coordination, ethics, and strategic planning. Graduates of this program join an influential network of professionals who are shaping the future of humanitarian response worldwide.
Location: Fees: For more information and detailed program visit the website.
Unitec – University of Geneva
20, rue du Conseil Général
1205 Geneva
Switzerland
Full Price: 2000 CHF
Partner Rate (ICRC, MSF): CHF 1600 (20% discount)
Published in GI-Mail 08/2025 (English & German edition).
- Do you already know our monthly newsletter GI-Mail with useful tips on postgraduate courses?
Sign up here. - Are you looking for vacancies or new career challenges? Here you will find the latest vacancies and job offers.
- Do you already know our monthly job-information GI-Jobs with current job offers for doctors, managers and nurses? Sign up here.
- Are you interested in up to date postgraduate courses and CME? In our education database »medicine & health« you will find new education events from over 2300 organizers.
