Planning a health promotion intervention for World Food Programme employees in developing countries

Humanitarian workers are exposed to relevant and specific health risks. The World Food Programme is committed to promoting and maintaining the health of all employees. In 2013 it commissioned a pilot health promotion intervention involving Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Haiti. The aim was to develop an effective intervention to be extended to other countries. Data from incident reports and a survey based on validated questionnaires were used to assess the health needs and priorities of the employees. A benchmark analysis with data from other UN Agencies allowed to check for consistency. After a review of the scientific literature on health promotion for humanitarian workers and a socio-cultural/geopolitical background analysis, site visits of the offices were organized. A board made of occupational and public health doctors, psychologists, global health experts and communication designers planned the intervention. Data from 418 incident reports and 731 survey respondents (response rate: 18%) were analyzed. Cardiovascular and infectious diseases and lack of safety measures and resources for cancer prevention were the main health concern; violence and car accidents were the main cause of injuries. The intervention focused on physical activity and healthy diet promotion, smoke cessation, safety at work, stress management and infection control. Downloadable posters, leaflets, videos and a handbook were produced. Prefab modular health clinics are in planning stage. Future surveys will value the efficacy of the intervention. Poor available literature and a variegated educational/cultural backgroundmade it difficult to plan the intervention. Peer education in such settings is discouraged. Site visits are needed but can be dangerous (political instability, poor infrastructures) and require local staff support. Offices are hard to reach and internet connections are slow, unreliable. Downloadable documents should be preferred to live/streaming lessons. Key messages Promoting health among humanitarian workers in developing countries poses several unique problems. Extensive knowledge of the socio-cultural/geopolitical Background and local staff support are needed While planning the health promotion intervention, availability of infrastructures, distribution of employees on the territory and quality of interpersonal relationships must be taken into account