Pandemic Preparedness Certificate Course

The STRIPE HIV (Strengthening InterProfessional Education for HIV) Pandemic Preparedness Certificate (PPC) course is delivered through two facilitated, interprofessional modules that integrate foundational epidemiology, case-based outbreak detection, and practical communication strategies grounded in real-world scenarios. Through discussions, role plays, and applied exercises, participants strengthen skills in early outbreak recognition and in effective communication with public health authorities, patients, and communities.

• Developed in collaboration with African education institution partners, with pilot feedback directly informing curriculum revisions.
• Uses discussions, role plays, and applied exercises to strengthen participant skills.
• Certificate provided upon completion of both modules.
• Piloted in 2025, the course is now available through the AFREhealth LMS.
• Available in English, Portuguese, and French.

Content Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Outbreak Disease Surveillance 

Participants learn how epidemiology fits into public health practice and the vital role that frontline healthcare workers play in detecting early warning signs of infectious disease threats. Participants will gain skills to identify, report, and respond to patterns or trends that signal a potential outbreak.

Learning Objectives:

1. Appreciate how epidemiology fits into public health practice.
2. Understand the role of outbreak disease surveillance in improving public health.
3. Identify early warning indicators of a potential outbreak by recognizing patterns, unusual trends, and case presentations.
4. Know how to report a potential outbreak in your context.

Module 2: Communication During Pandemics and Outbreaks 

Participants learn to communicate effectively during disease outbreaks. Participants will practice sharing information clearly and concisely with patients and the community, both verbally and in writing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the key objectives of communication—and how to achieve them—when frontline healthcare workers share information with the community during a disease outbreak.
2. Demonstrate how to provide effective verbal communication with patients regarding a disease outbreak or pandemic.
3. Demonstrate how to provide concise and effective written communication with patients regarding a disease outbreak or pandemic.

Course Availability

Modules 26 and 27 of the STRIPE HIV training modules are the same materials used in the PPC course. However, to receive a PPC certificate, participants must complete these modules during a facilitated PPC workshop.

Organizations may host their own PPC workshops. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) provides access to the PPC course site and facilitator materials. The course is available through AFREhealth.