Specifically, the proposed course aims to provide participants with the knowledge, experiences and opportunities for dialogue on the objectives, procedures, tools and expected outputs of the screening scoping and early appraisal process in pre- and post- HIA phases, and to place these procedures in the broader HIA and general impact assessment framework.

•  Content
The course will systematically address the key issues related to HIA screening scoping and initial appraisal. The assessment of health implications of policies, programmes and projects must take account of the environmental and social determinants of health . New health hazards and changes in existing health hazards must be translated into health risk predictions. It must consider health in a comprehensive way, focusing on vulnerable groups and the particular health risks they will be exposed to. It should lead to a public health action plan that promotes health safeguards and mitigating measures within the project design and operation first, backed up by an adjustment of health sector interventions. It should operate in an institutional framework where the Ministry of Health is the ultimate authority in public health and where other public sectors, to a greater or lesser extent, are engaged in activities for the protection and promotion of health.

•  Anticipated learning outcomes
At the end of the course, participants will have
- updated their knowledge of the general principles and practices of HIA
- acquired specific knowledge and know-how about the screening phase of HIA
- acquired specific knowledge and know-how about the appraisal of an HIA report
- gained a better understanding of the technical, procedural, institutional and policy aspects of HIA screening and appraisal
- shared experiences from different regional settings
- learned how to perform essential HIA screening and appraisal tasks in a realistic context