The assessment should determine the program's ability regarding:

· Staff
· Budget
· Communications
· Transport
· Essential supplies

Key points:

· Staff: How is the staff of the program distributed at the national, regional and local level? Are they full-time or part-time employees or volunteers? To what health disciplines do they belong (e.g.: physician, sanitation engineer, health educator, etc.)?

· Budget: Is the program being supported by a regular budget? Does this cover salaries and operational activities? What financial provisions exist for emergency situations? Is there flexibility in budget management?

· Communications: List of available means of communication accessible to the disaster preparedness program (phone, fax, telex, electronic mail, ham radio operators network, satellite telecommunications).

· Reliability of existing communications systems: Does the Ministry of Health have an organized and operational communications center? What is the geographical coverage? What type of restrictions affect the use of the communications tools?

· Mobilization: Is the program equipped to mobilize its staff and emergency team on short notice? Who is in charge of providing transportation in case of an emergency?

· Supplies: Identify the existence of essential medical supplies and medicines and availability of inventory system for existing supplies and donations.

Sources of information:

Ministry of Health, NGOs, Civil Defense, health authorities and administrative departments, communication companies, ham radio associations.