Real-time University/Agency Collaboration to Train Public Health Workers in Response to Emerging Crises

UNICEF aims to provide advanced training for its field-based professional in behavioral and communications strategies. In response, the Global Institute of Public Health at New York University (NYU GIPH) partnered with the UNICEF Communications for Development (C4D) team to create an intensive three-credit Master’s course, Behavioral and Communication Strategies for Global Epidemics: Focus on Polio and Ebola. The class integrated theory and practice.

The class structure utilized unique methods to designing and implementing strategies for behavioral change including understanding social data, role play, scripted scenarios, CBPR exercises, training simulations, negotiation practices, and train-the-trainer. Modules were overlaid with epidemiology, theory and activities to enhance management/leadership skills. Course attendees were half NYU GIPH MPH students and half UNICEF country-level management staff.

The course assignments included behavioral situation analyses, operations, communications, and technology – all focused on practical application and immediate implementation. The class culminated in the production of a group-developed theory-driven behavioral intervention that teams presented to NYU/UNICEF leadership. The course projects developed are being introduced at the country level.

The NYU GIPH/UNICEF partnerships provided a valuable opportunity for NYU GIPH students to network and learn from professionals in the field and UNICEF gained high-quality training for its front-line staff and an opportunity to build skills and interest for the next generation of public health communicators. The collaborative model utilized for developing this course will be applied to other partnerships between academia and organizations, including NGOs and health departments, to meet immediate and long-term needs of the public health workforce.