IERH - About Us

The International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch (IERHB) is responsible for implementing and coordinating the CDC’s response to complex humanitarian emergencies, as requested by U.S. government, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

We work to improve the health of populations affected by complex humanitarian emergencies such as:

War
Famine
Civil strife
Disaster
Genocide
Drought
Displacement

Our Division

We work under the Division of Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response which supports CDC global efforts to strengthen public health systems abroad and build essential infrastructure in host countries.

Our Mission

The IERHB works to bring public health and epidemiologic principles to the aid of populations affected by complex humanitarian emergencies.

Our work focuses on 5 main areas:

Investigations: Provide technical assistance including rapid health and nutrition assessments, public health surveillance, epidemic investigations, disease prevention and control, program evaluation and emergency preparedness.
Planning: Develop, implement and disseminate findings from operational research projects aimed at developing more effective public health interventions (Resources)
Training: Design, implement, and evaluate training activities to strengthen the capacity of CDC, other US government agencies, international and private voluntary organizations, other governments, and public health students
Guidelines: Develop and disseminate guidelines on public health issues and technical areas
Partnerships: Plan and maintain partnerships with strategic international, bilateral, and non-governmental relief organizations