Epidemics are a constant threat to the well-being of communities everywhere, especially in societies where resources are scarce. Managing and preferably preventing epidemics is a priority for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

This training package, which is aligned with the Community-based health and first aid (CBHFA) approach, aims to involve volunteers more effectively in the management of epidemics. It provides volunteers with basic information on infections and diseases that can easily become epidemic if circumstances in the environment change.

The Epidemic Control Manual for Volunteers (the Manual), and the Epidemic Control Toolkit (the Toolkit) which accompanies it, have been written for volunteers and for trainers in local National Society branches. While not exhaustive, the two documents will familiarize volunteers with the most common epidemics and with the diseases that most frequently cause death and suffering.