Health, Public Health & Safety
Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations (IHR)
Health security capacities, IHR core requirements and preparedness planning.
Syllabus 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 |
Module breakdown
- 1
Health security and IHR (2005) core capacities
Weeks 1–2Build a shared working vocabulary for health security and IHR (2005) core capacities and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind health security and IHR (2005) core capacities
- Step-by-step methods and templates for health security and IHR (2005) core capacities
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in health security and IHR (2005) core capacities, and how to avoid them
- Applying health security and IHR (2005) core capacities in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying health security and IHR (2005) core capacities to a local scenario.
- 2
Risk assessment and preparedness planning
Weeks 3–4Work through the methods and tools used for risk assessment and preparedness planning in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for risk assessment and preparedness planning
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in risk assessment and preparedness planning, and how to avoid them
- Applying risk assessment and preparedness planning in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to risk assessment and preparedness planning.
- 3
Points of entry and cross-border health
Weeks 5–6Practise points of entry and cross-border health on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in points of entry and cross-border health, and how to avoid them
- Applying points of entry and cross-border health in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your points of entry and cross-border health work
Assessed work: Group simulation using points of entry and cross-border health under time pressure.
- 4
Multisectoral and One Health coordination
Weeks 7–8Turn multisectoral and One Health coordination into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying multisectoral and One Health coordination in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your multisectoral and One Health coordination work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind multisectoral and One Health coordination
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use multisectoral and One Health coordination in your role.
- 5
Simulation exercises and after-action review
Weeks 9–12Review, quality-check and improve your own simulation exercises and after-action review work with tutor and peer feedback.
What you cover
- Recording, reporting and communicating your simulation exercises and after-action review work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind simulation exercises and after-action review
- Step-by-step methods and templates for simulation exercises and after-action review
Assessed work: Guided exercise: produce a short worked example covering simulation exercises and after-action review.
Who this course is for
- • Practitioners and volunteers already working in, or moving into, this area of work.
- • Health workers, facility staff and community health volunteers.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
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.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • 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.
Materials and 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.
Certification
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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Map IHR core capacities in your setting
- Draft a health emergency preparedness plan
- Run and document a simulation exercise
Practical component
Table-top simulation exercise with after-action review.
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.
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.