Applied epidemiologists are increasingly working in areas of insecurity and active
conflict to define the health risks, suggest feasible means to reduce these risks and, monitor the
capacity and reconstruction of the public health system. In 2001, The Carter Center and the United
States Institute for Peace sponsored a conference within which "Violence and Health" was
discussed and a working group on applied epidemiology formed. The group was tasked to describe
the skills that are essential to effective functioning in these settings and thereby provide guidance
to the applied epidemiology training programs.
Methods: We conducted a literature review and consultation of a convenience sample of
practitioners of applied epidemiology with experience in conflict areas.