INTRODUCTION

Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH) is a 750-bedded multi-super speciality hospital nested in a serene, award-winning campus in Central Kerala, India. BCMCH has been in the forefront of taking initiatives for the society at large, aiming for a better future for all.

To realize our vision of cultivating a world-class disaster response team, we hold in high esteem the insights of the seasoned veterans in this field. Our strategy is predicated upon the creation of a platform, a forum where real-life heroes who have navigated the tumultuous seas of catastrophic events can come together. Here, these stalwarts can communicate, share, and impart the wisdom accrued through firsthand experience. Our goal is to transcend the realm of theoretical study and tap into the wellspring of practical understanding.

UNITED ’24 is proposed to be a 4-day international conference, to be held from 14th through 17th of November, 2024, at Thiruvalla, Kerala, India. UNITED ’24 brings the global leaders like Johns Hopkins University USA (with its much-famed HELP (Health Emergencies in Large Populations) course, Wayne State University USA, George Washington University USA, CMC Vellore, NIMHANS, NDRF, NDMA} and other premier health institutes, along with MSF, Lions International, Rotary International and disaster mitigation entrepreneurs onto a single platform. UNITED ’24 marks a paradigm shift in disaster management education, bridging the divide between theory and practical expertise.

The highlight of the event would be a sophisticated hands-on disaster mock drill for all participants, to be jointly organized by the best in the field - globally and nationally.

In summation, our initiative marks a paradigm shift in disaster management education, bridging the divide between theory and practical expertise. By championing real-life narratives and harnessing the insight of those who have confronted disaster firsthand, we lay the groundwork for a new era of preparedness. The lessons learned and shared today are a beacon that shall guide generations yet to come.

Purpose

U.NI.I.T.E.D. ’24 shall serve as a crucial platform where global experts, policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders from around the world convene to address various aspects of disaster management and response. The primary purposes of such conferences are manifold and essential in enhancing global resilience and preparedness in the face of natural or man-made disasters.

1. Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices: International disaster conferences facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among participants. Experts and practitioners from different countries and disciplines can exchange insights on effective disaster response strategies, innovative technologies, and community resilience-building techniques. This exchange helps in refining existing approaches and developing new solutions tailored to different types of disasters and contexts.
2. Strengthening International Collaboration: These conferences foster collaboration and partnerships among nations, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector entities involved in disaster management. By networking and forging alliances, participants can enhance their collective capacity to respond promptly and effectively to disasters that may transcend national boundaries.
3. Policy Development and Advocacy: Policy discussions and advocacy are integral components of international disaster conferences. Participants discuss and formulate policies aimed at improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at local, national, and global levels. These discussions often lead to the adoption of guidelines, frameworks, and resolutions that guide disaster management practices worldwide.
4. Promoting Innovation and Research: Conferences provide a platform for showcasing and promoting innovative technologies, methodologies, and research findings in disaster management. This includes advances in early warning systems, risk assessment tools, humanitarian aid delivery, and sustainable rebuilding practices. By encouraging innovation, conferences contribute to the continuous improvement of disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
5. Raising Public Awareness: International disaster conferences play a role in raising public awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience. Media coverage and public outreach initiatives associated with these conferences help educate communities about the risks they face and the steps they can take to mitigate those risks. This awareness-building is crucial for fostering a culture of preparedness and empowering communities to take proactive measures.
6. Addressing Global Challenges: Certain disasters, such as pandemics or climate-related events, require coordinated global responses. International disaster conferences provide a platform for addressing these complex challenges, including issues related to climate change adaptation, infectious disease outbreaks, displacement, and humanitarian crises. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, conferences contribute to global efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
7. Capacity Building and Training: Conferences often include workshops, training sessions, and simulations that enhance the skills and capabilities of disaster response personnel and volunteers. These capacity-building activities ensure that responders are well-prepared to handle emergencies and deliver assistance effectively in diverse environments and scenarios.

Help Course

Empowering Humanitarian Workers: The Health Emergencies in Large Populations (HELP) Course

The Health Emergencies in Large Populations (HELP) course, offered by the prestigious Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, has been a cornerstone in disaster preparedness and management training for over 25 years. This intensive program is designed to equip humanitarian workers with the public health principles necessary to effectively respond to both natural and conflict-related disasters.

A Diverse and Experienced Cohort

HELP attracts a diverse group of participants from various sectors, including civil society, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, as well as the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. The range of professions represented includes nurses, physicians, public health professionals, lawyers, journalists, managers, planners, logisticians, and aid workers. This blend of expertise enriches the learning environment, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to humanitarian assistance.

Course Objectives and Structure

The primary goal of HELP is to address the needs of disaster-affected populations through a public health lens. The course provides participants with essential skills and competencies to effectively respond to the public health needs in humanitarian situations. The training is delivered through a combination of recorded modules and live sessions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topics.

Key topics covered include:

1. Disaster Planning
2. International Health Regulations
3. Structure of Humanitarian Assistance
4. Disease Management
5. Epidemiology of Disasters
6. Shelter in Emergencies
7. Water and Sanitation in Emergencies
8. Causes of Conflict
9. Nutrition in Emergencies
10. Mission of the ICRC
11. Food Security and Livelihoods
12. Reproductive Health
13. International Humanitarian Law
14. Delivery of Health Services
15. Natural Disasters
16. Mental Health in Emergencies
17. Personal Security
18. Hands-On Simulation and Practical Application

A highlight of the HELP course is the one-day simulation exercise, allowing participants to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in a realistic setting. This hands-on approach ensures that participants are well-prepared to handle real-world humanitarian crises.

Outcomes and Benefits

Upon completing the HELP course, participants will be able to:

Describe the essential issues related to public health, healthcare, management, law, and ethics in humanitarian action, and identify methods to address them.

Analyze health and other humanitarian needs using a multidisciplinary approach that considers the perceptions, vulnerabilities, and capabilities of the affected populations. Plan, manage, and evaluate activities in response to major humanitarian crises.

Who Should Attend?

The HELP course is ideal for healthcare and public health professionals involved in health emergencies and humanitarian assistance. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop offers invaluable training that can enhance your ability to make a significant impact in disaster-affected populations.

For those dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in times of crisis, the HELP course stands as an essential educational experience, blending rigorous academic training with practical, real-world application. Join the ranks of trained professionals who are making a difference in humanitarian efforts worldwide.