Aims
The course introduces participants to the study of health systems that are going through, or have just emerged from conflict. The main features, flaws and strengths of conflict-affected health systems are analysed. From this starting point, measures to ensure health care delivery and foster post-conflict sector recovery are discussed. Health care provision is studied within a broader political, economic and social context. A sector-wide perspective is stressed throughout the training programme. This widens the knowledge and deepens the understanding of lessons learned, mistakes commonly made and adaptive responses developed by health services in such troubled environments.

Objectives:

• to engage and guide participants in the analysis and discussion of conflict environments and health services within them;
• to raise awareness about the challenges posed by and the pitfalls incurred in health service provision in conflict environments;
• to identify and discuss the main patterns and distortions of health systems in crisis, and to conceive realistic measures to tackle them;
• to study in detail selected health sectors in crisis, or emerging from crisis;
  to introduce participants to post-conflict recovery processes, to the dangers posed and to the opportunities offered by them;
• to introduce participants to the existing relevant literature and to stimulate the further exploration of the field;
• to promote and develop contacts and exchanges of knowledge and experiences among health professionals working in the field.
  

Contents, teaching methods and trainers

Participants
The course is intended for health professionals with field experience and other professionals holding decision-making positions in assistance, emergency or recovery programmes, or preparing to take such positions.
Given the multi-disciplinary nature of the course, the participation of professionals with different backgrounds is encouraged. Participants with rich professional experience from Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans have so far attended the course.
A good knowledge of the English language is essential.

Practical information

• The Course will take place in Padua (Italy), at Doctors with Africa CUAMM headquarters, a fine 18th century building, located in the beautiful old centre town, within walking distance from some of the most famous treasures of Italian art. Venice is only 30 minutes away, by train or bus.
  Tourist information on Padua
  Tourist information on Venice
• Participants can be accommodated at Doctors with Africa CUAMM premises at a low cost. Lunch on class days is offered to participants by Doctors with Africa CUAMM.
• At the end of the Course participants who have attended at least 85% of the classes will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
  For Italian participants, the Organization will request the accreditation by the Italian Ministry of Health within the CME programme.
  

Course Director: Enrico Pavignani
Course Coordinator: Lucia Forte, in Charge of Training at Doctors with Africa Cuamm
Resident Faculty: Maurizio Murru

For further information
course.hscr@cuamm.org