Exercise #12
Voices of Vulnerability: Climate Change, Pandemics, and Refugee Health
Authors: Dr Elena Rousou, Dr Panagiota Ellina, Mrs Paraskevi Charitou
20–25 minutes
Description
This exercise uses a case-based discussion about displaced populations at the intersection of climate change and pandemic health risks. Students analyse vulnerabilities, identify culturally sensitive interventions, and write a short personal reflection as future health professionals.
Methodological Guide
Objectives
Recognize how climate change and pandemics intersect with refugee and migrant health challenges; encourage reflection on barriers (language, discrimination, access to care) affecting health outcomes; develop openness and humility by proposing culturally sensitive health interventions; promote critical awareness of the responsibility to adapt healthcare practices in diverse contexts.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the activity, students will identify overlapping vulnerabilities in climate, pandemic, and migration health; practise culturally sensitive problem-solving; and gain awareness of systemic barriers and equity-focused solutions.
Exercise Procedure
Stage 1 (slideshow, 10 min): Watch the framing video and read three slides covering climate–refugee health mechanisms. Stage 2 (quiz, 10 min): Answer five multiple-choice questions identifying key health risks for displaced populations. Stage 3 (text submission, 10 min): Identify one vulnerable subgroup and propose one culturally sensitive, service-level intervention in 3–4 sentences.
Mode of Implementation
Group Work (pairs or small groups, 3–5 students). Can also be adapted for individual online reflection.
Role of the Teacher
Present the scenario and instructions on the e-platform. Facilitate discussion, encouraging inclusive participation. Provide examples of real-world interventions (WHO/IOM). Offer constructive feedback that emphasises growth and openness.
Theoretical Basis
This activity uses transformative learning principles: Disorienting Dilemma (students confront a refugee camp scenario where climate-related displacement overlaps with pandemic risks); Critical Reflection (analysis of systemic barriers — language, culture, discrimination — that impact care); Dialogue and Action (groups propose one feasible health intervention, fostering teamwork and intercultural understanding). Experiential learning is introduced through case-based discussion, simulating real-world professional challenges.
Practical Application
Students work in pairs/small groups to identify health risks and propose interventions that are realistic (implementable in crisis settings), culturally sensitive (considering language, literacy, trust, trauma), and equity-focused (prioritising vulnerable subgroups, e.g., children, elderly, pregnant women).
Knowledge Transfer
Students connect theory with practice by comparing their proposals with WHO/IOM real-world initiatives. Knowledge is transferable across contexts: refugee camps, rural health systems, or pandemic planning in diverse communities.
Reinforcement & Reflection
Teacher provides formative feedback highlighting creative, inclusive solutions. Peer feedback is encouraged via discussion board/group comparison. Reflection questions guide self-assessment on personal bias and cultural adaptability.
Required Resources
Case scenario text (provided on e-platform). Worksheet / discussion board space. Optional: short WHO/IOM video clip on refugee health during COVID-19.
Assessment / Evaluation
Self-assessment: Students reflect on whether their intervention was realistic and culturally sensitive. Peer assessment: Groups briefly comment on one another's proposals, focusing on strengths.
Practical Tips
Use short video clips or infographics to illustrate refugee health during COVID-19. Encourage empathy-building by asking students to imagine themselves in the role of a patient.
Discussion Topics
How does climate change drive migration and health inequities? What role should global health institutions (WHO, IOM, UNHCR) play? How can future health professionals advocate for refugee health rights?
Further Resources
WHO: Health of Refugees and Migrants (2022 Report). IOM: Migration and Climate Change policy briefs. Case studies on COVID-19 in refugee camps (e.g., Jordan, Bangladesh).
Additional Remarks
Keep discussion time short and focused. Emphasise solutions over problems. Encourage culturally inclusive language in student responses.