International Emergency and Refugee Health (IERH)

IERH logo We bring public health and epidemiologic principles to the aid of populations affected by complex humanitarian emergencies and are responsible for implementing and coordinating the CDC’s response to complex humanitarian emergencies as requested by U.S. government and United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.

In the Spotlight

IERH with Rollins School of Public Health Announcing new MPH/Global Complex Humanitarian Emergencies Scholarship.

Bilukha OO, Brennan M, Anderson M: The lasting legacy of war: Epidemiology of injuries from landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan, 2002-2006. Prehospital Disast Med 2008;23(6):493–499.
Lopes Cardozo, B. Guidelines need a more evidence based approach. Intervention 2008; 6 (3/4): 252-254.
Notes from the field: malnutrition and mortality – Southern Somalia.CDC. MMWR. 2011;60:1026-7.
Husain F, Anderson M, Lopes Cardozo B, Becknell K, Blanton C, Araki D, Vithana EK. Prevalence of war-related mental health conditions and association with displacement status in postwar Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. JAMA. 2011 Aug 3;306(5):522-31.

Our Work in Pakistan

On July 22, heavy rains in Pakistan triggered the most severe floods the country has seen in over a decade. Over 15 million people may have been displaced and upwards of 20 million have been affected by the floods. Upon request from WHO, four CDC staff are being deployed to assist in response activities. They are providing technical guidance for USG coordination, cluster support and Disease Surveillance Early Warning System (DEWS).

Our Work in Haiti

IERH was part of the 308 CDC staff members engaged in immediate response activities as part of Disaster Assistance and Response Teams, members of the U.S. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Haiti Response Team, and rapid assessment teams as well as seconded to other U.S., Haitian and UN agencies in support of the Haitian relief effort. We have an ongoing commitment to Haiti and are currently conducting a nutritional survey in the most affected areas.
For more information about CDC’s work in Haiti please visit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/