Responding to disasters: the importance of Humanitarian Logistics

Logistics plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity of public health services during humanitarian emergencies. The number of disasters has increased significantly in the last 50 years and this increase is likely to continue due to extreme weather events caused by climate change and conflicts.

Disasters impose tremendous stress on logistics and supply chain systems of the affected country, with dramatic consequences to the health sector, where deficiencies can lead to deaths and suffering. This course places special attention on the logistics management (e.g., procurement, processing, storage, and distribution) of medical supplies. It also takes a critical view on unsolicited donations.

By the end of the course participants will:

• Better understand the logistics of medical supplies (e.g., procurement, processing, storage, and distribution);
• Gain hands-on experience with conceptualizing and modeling complex systems;
• Be able to use a methodological framework for conceptualizing and capturing the structures generating the dynamics in supply chains;
• Better understand the ways in which supply chain performance depends on its internal structure and operating policies.

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None.

Class sessions combine lectures, interactive exercises, and discussions. We will cover different practical applications and encourage interactive discussions.

• Participants must attend at least 80% of the course;
• Final assignment.

At least one facilitator will be on-site in Lugano, and some may join online. Participants are welcomed to join either on-site in Lugano, or online. In case of a change of regional policies (e.g., Covid) or personal reasons, the course could change to online.

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