Health, Public Health & Safety
Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations (IHR)
Health security capacities, IHR core requirements and preparedness planning.
View prospectus
Programme rationale
Health security capacities, IHR core requirements and preparedness planning. The programme is structured for learners who need practical, assessable capability they can connect to real responsibilities while continuing work or other commitments.
Programme at a glance
Around 12 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–2 | Health security and IHR (2005) core capacities |
| 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Risk assessment and preparedness planning |
| 3 | Weeks 5–6 | Points of entry and cross-border health |
| 4 | Weeks 7–8 | Multisectoral and One Health coordination |
| 5 | Weeks 9–12 | Simulation exercises and after-action review |
Target audience & entry requirements
Target audience
- • Health workers, facility teams, safety focal persons and community health volunteers.
- • Programme staff whose work includes prevention, preparedness, surveillance, safety or community engagement.
- • Learners seeking structured professional development in public-health and safety practice.
Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Map IHR core capacities in your setting
- Draft a health emergency preparedness plan
- Run and document a simulation exercise
Detailed modules
Each module below follows this programme’s published syllabus and contributes to the final practical work.
- 1
Health security and IHR (2005) core capacities
Weeks 1–2Study health security and IHR (2005) core capacities in the context of health, Public Health & Safety, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within health security and IHR (2005) core capacities
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying health security and IHR (2005) core capacities to a realistic setting.
- 2
Risk assessment and preparedness planning
Weeks 3–4Examine risk assessment and preparedness planning as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for risk assessment and preparedness planning
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for risk assessment and preparedness planning.
- 3
Points of entry and cross-border health
Weeks 5–6Study points of entry and cross-border health in the context of health, Public Health & Safety, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within points of entry and cross-border health
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying points of entry and cross-border health to a realistic setting.
- 4
Multisectoral and One Health coordination
Weeks 7–8Develop practical capability in multisectoral and One Health coordination, linking roles, resources, decisions, accountability and review.
What you cover
- Roles, responsibilities and decision points in multisectoral and One Health coordination
- Planning tools, coordination arrangements and documentation
- Implementation monitoring, accountability and improvement
Assessed work: Draft a usable plan, workflow or decision brief for multisectoral and One Health coordination.
- 5
Simulation exercises and after-action review
Weeks 9–12Study simulation exercises and after-action review in the context of health, Public Health & Safety, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within simulation exercises and after-action review
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying simulation exercises and after-action review to a realistic setting.
Practical project / portfolio
Table-top simulation exercise with after-action review.
Teaching & learning approach
- Tutor-led explanation and demonstration focused on the published module topics.
- Guided practice using cases, scenarios, templates or production tasks relevant to the programme.
- Individual and group feedback that helps learners improve work before final submission.
- Flexible online, face-to-face or blended participation, with evening and weekend scheduling where available.
Assessment & completion
- • Short applied tasks linked to the published modules.
- • Practical component: Table-top simulation exercise with after-action review.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Learner support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Case material and worked examples based on community and field practice.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Career & professional pathways
This programme supports professional development; it does not guarantee employment, promotion or entry to a regulated occupation.
- Strengthen performance in community health, facility support, safety, preparedness or programme-assistant roles.
- Use the practical project as evidence of applied professional development in your current workplace.
- Progress to related SLIHSD public-health, safety or emergency-management study where available.
Fees & enrolment
- • Indicative programme fee: SLE 2,500.
- • One-off indicative registration fee: SLE 100.
- • Final fees, start date, delivery arrangement and any instalment option are confirmed in writing before commitment.
- • Submitting an application does not require payment and does not guarantee admission.
Regulatory & recognition notice
SLIHSD is a developing professional learning institution. Accreditation and formal recognition are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Completion records an SLIHSD professional short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Ready to start Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations (IHR)?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.