Responding to disasters: the importance of Humanitarian Logistics

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

At least one facilitator will be on-site in Lugano, and some will 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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