Qatar: improving the management of humanitarian aid

The course, entitled Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P.) and jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Qatar Red Crescent Society and the University of Calgary - Qatar, is taking place from 24 April to 5 May.

The H.E.L.P. course is a multicultural and multidisciplinary learning experience created to enhance professionalism in humanitarian assistance programmes conducted in emergency situations.

As the importance of responding to disasters grows worldwide, the need for H.E.L.P. courses is increasing. "The course helps participants consider how they can influence health policies within their own organizations to bring about greater respect for ethical standards during relief activities," said Yves Etienne, the ICRC's H.E.L.P. course coordinator.

The first week of the course focuses on public-health activities, the second on communicable diseases and epidemiology, international humanitarian law, security and ethics.

The H.E.L.P. course, created in 1986 by the ICRC, is organized in partnership with the World Health Organization and with research institutions and universities all over the world. It has been given in various parts of Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia, and in Western and Eastern Europe. Participants come from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, United Nations agencies, NGOs, health ministries, armed forces' medical services and academic institutions.

For further information, please contact:
Fouad Bawaba, ICRC Kuwait, tel: +965 9787 9434