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 Teams
IERHB has two technical teams:
- The Complex Humanitarian Emergency Team (CHET) focuses on diverse health issues related to refugees and other displaced populations.
- The War-related Injury Team (WIT) focuses on the public health impact of armed conflict on civilian populations
Our Division
The International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch works under the Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services (EEHS) at the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH).
Our Mission
- 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
Our Key Partners
The International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch (IERHB) responds to requests for technical assistance and support from our partner organizations.
Our primary partners for emergency responses include:
- The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- and many non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - CDC General Information: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
- International Emergencies & Refugee Health Branch Information: ierhb@cdc.gov
