Charlotte Hammer: Managing Infectious Diseases in Complex Emergencies
Charlotte Hammer, a seasoned humanitarian worker specialising in infectious disease epidemiology, led a session on managing high-consequence and emerging diseases in challenging environments. The session, focused on humanitarian response, delved into the fundamentals of outbreak investigation and provided practical insights for healthcare professionals operating in unstable regions.
Hammer, who has extensive experience working in various conflict zones and with displaced populations, discussed the unique logistical barriers and data gaps encountered in-field. She highlighted how resource limitations and unstable conditions shape outbreak response strategies, offering lessons for healthcare professionals working in such environments.
The session presented an adapted 10-step approach for outbreak investigation, tailored to complex emergencies. Hammer emphasised the importance of coordination with humanitarian agencies under pressure, ensuring effective response and support in crisis situations.
Charlotte Hammer's session provided a comprehensive guide for managing infectious disease outbreaks in complex emergencies. By adapting the outbreak investigation approach and emphasising coordination with humanitarian agencies, her insights aim to improve healthcare responses in unstable regions, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of infectious diseases.
