Epidemic emergencies: Re-thinking preparedness and response in humanitarian settings

Epidemics are on the rise. There is, therefore, a greater emphasis amongst politicians, policymakers, researchers, and those working in (inter)national health organisations, on how to better prepare and respond to these types of emergencies. Much is still unknown, however, about how to best prepare and respond to epidemics. Researchers in the social sciences, especially anthropologists, have suggested that more attention needs to be paid to the voices of those people who are actually affected by epidemics. The perspectives from everyday people are under-appreciated in mainstream national and international policies that outline epidemic preparedness and response, but they could be harnessed to inform a more locally appropriate approach to managing epidemics. Epidemic preparedness and response are especially important in settings that are associated with an increased risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Humanitarian settings, such as refugee camps and settlements, are a prime example. This fellowship builds on research that was conducted for a PhD that specifically explored epidemic preparedness in a refugee settlement in northern Uganda. This research focussed on understanding epidemics, and their management, from the perspectives of South Sudanese refugees. This was done by living with refugees in the settlement for over a year, joining activities of daily life, as well as conducting formal interviews and having informal discussions. The research also examined how the perspectives of refugees contrasted to the views of humanitarian and government staff, and their policies for managing COVID-19. This postdoctoral fellowship aims to do three important things. Firstly, it will provide an opportunity to share the findings of this research, focussing on what can be learnt from refugees. I will use the fellowship to publish my PhD research, making the findings available to academic audiences. The fellowship will also involve sharing the findings with the refugees and humanitarian and government staff who informed the research in Uganda, but also to important wider networks of researchers and policymakers in Uganda and elsewhere. For example, the fellowship will provide an opportunity to share the research findings through a partnership with UNHCR in Zambia, to professionals designing epidemic preparedness and response activities amongst refugees in Zambia. These aims will be achieved through a variety of workshops in Uganda, and a placement in Zambia. Secondly, the fellowship will develop my personal academic skills. This includes learning how to successfully share research findings, exploring different approaches to showcase the research to different people, such as through publications, workshops and blogs. It also involves gaining teaching experience to postgraduate students, which is essential for my future career progression. Thirdly, by sharing the research through the methods describe above, the fellowship will build important networks in Uganda, and in other refugee hosting countries in Africa such as Zambia, and with international organisations who design epidemic preparedness and response policy, particularly for refugees (such as UNHCR). Building these relationships is important, enabling collaboration on future funding applications and academic projects, ensuring that my research is relevant to current policy challenges. Lastly, the fellowship will also help me work with new researchers working in international development, who will mentor me through the fellowship. Working with these academics will help me develop important research skills, such as academic writing for different audiences, enabling me to apply for further research funding during the fellowship. This is an essential step to continue my academic career.