Conflict Sensitivity and Public Health Emergencies

Project Overview

COVID-19 is an ultimate systems challenge, particularly where communities experience conflict and underlying health inequities. How can peacebuilders pivot amid such public health crisis? How can public health practitioners balance both urgency and conflict sensitivity? How can local and global humanitarian response navigate these complex systems to promote peace and health outcomes?

These and other questions shared with CDA by practitioners inspired the development of the resource ‘Conflict Sensitivity and Public Health Emergencies’. It incorporates practical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and past public health crises around the world to present practical guidance on how to navigate the intersection of conflict, humanitarian crises, and public health emergencies. For public health practitioners, it provides an introduction to applying the Do No Harm Framework; for humanitarian and peacebuilding practitioners, it provides insight into how to adapt to public health emergencies.

The initial version of October 2020 is ready for use and is accompanied by a ‘Quick Start Guide’ and a set of adaptable tools.

CDA also seeks the feedback of implementers and policy planners about applying and innovating on the resources. Your input will ultimately inform an updated version in early 2021. If you would like to connect about the Conflict Sensitivity and Public Health Emergencies resources or be involved in the feedback process, please contact us at [email protected].

 

In April 2021, we organized an event with the Alliance for Peacebuilding and on ConnexUs to launch the guidance. Watch the video below:

 

Conflict Sensitivity and Public Health Emergencies Resource

Accompanying Practical Resources

Our People

Sabina Carlson Robillard, Associate, Accountability and Humanitarian Aid

Ruth Rhoads Allen, President and Chief Collaboration Officer