26
February
2016
|
09:33
Europe/London
Graduate helps provide supplies for refugees arriving in Europe
- He's a graduate of the University’s Master’s of Public Health
- He works for the WHO making sure countries are working together and adequately supplied
Matteo Dembech
A recent University of Manchester graduate is dealing with the challenges posed by the influx of refugees and migrants into Europe by helping countries ensure they have adequate supplies.
Matteo Dembech from Cremona Italy is a graduate of the University’s Master’s of Public Health and a civil servant for the World Health Organization’s Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe project, where he works in the field making sure countries are working together and adequately supplied as thousands of people from the Middle East and Africa attempt to cross into Europe.
In his day-to-day role Matteo works with the Heads of WHO Country Offices in the field where large influxes of refugees and migrants arrive or transit.
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During my course I acquired skills to conduct better statistical and epidemiological analyses; studied health system functioning during humanitarian crises; and learned how to plan community-based interventions.
Matteo Dembech
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He said: “Practically we study, conduct field assessments and talk with the governments in order to understand the needs of refugees in, for example border or migration centres.
“Interventions may vary from drafting a contingency plan for large influxes of migrants - to buying a cargo of medical equipment.
“During my course I acquired skills to conduct better statistical and epidemiological analyses; studied health system functioning during humanitarian crises; and learned how to plan community-based interventions.
“These are all skills that I can use in my day to day tasks.”
Dr Arpana Verma, who leads the University programme said: “Many of our students play a crucial role in helping others and provide significant contributions to their own countries as well as internationally. I am extremely proud to say Matteo is no different. We are pleased that the skills he has learnt on our MPH are helping him to perform a vital role in one of the most pressing issues of the day.”
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