Consolidate the information and present a report that provides the following:
- a brief description, including the percentage of the population and territory directly affected by the conflict;
- selected indicators, to show the emergency’s direct impact (e.g. mortality rates, number of displaced, extent of malnutrition, damage to infrastructure and economy);
- indicators showing the secondary impact of the emergency (e.g. increase in risk of illness and death by epidemic or endemic diseases or both);
- data on the damage suffered by the health sector (percentage of lost infrastructure and personnel, disruption of primary health care programmes, priority shortages in drugs or vaccines); and
- the coverage, constraints and coordination of response and recovery operations.
In the report, try to describe worst-case and best-case scenarios for the next 6-12 months. What will be the health priorities if the conflict continues or if a cease-fire or peace is reached? Make recommendations, highlighting:
- immediate and medium-term priorities for action in the health sector, and needs, as arising from the above; and
- the best approaches and strategies considering the situation and current humanitarian action.
During a complex emergency, the situation can change very rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious about long-term assumptions, to carry out planned actions quickly, before the situation changes, and to report on the situation and actions at frequent intervals.
Box 5. Sample form for rapid health assessment in complex emergencies Area: __________________________ Surrounding towns: __________ Date: _________________ Assessor: ___________________________ Background Total population - current: ____________________ pre-war: ________ Age and sex distribution:
· population under five years Weather - current: _______ projected: ___________________________ Who is in charge?______________________ Food and agriculture What are people eating now?______________________ Source(s) of food: ______________________________ Date of last air drop:__________________________ How is air drop, humanitarian aid distributed? ____________________ Does it reach those most in need? _____________________ Market availability (and prices), include black market if possible: _____________ Visual assessment of livestock: ________________________________________ Assessment of cooking fuel: __________________________________________ Any seeds available for planting: _______________________________________ Overall assessment of food availability and needs - include timeframe for seeds, etc. Health and nutrition Who is in charge?___________________________ What health services exist?____________________ Assessment of damage to health infrastructure: What public health programmes (vaccination, etc.) currently operate? Assessment of recent mortality (rates and causes): Assessment of recent morbidity (rates and causes): Evidence of epidemics: _______________________________________________ (specifically check for measles, hepatitis, diarrhoea) Current staff: _________________________________ Current drug supplies:___________________________ Current medical supplies: ________________________ Evidence of malnutrition: ________________________ Evidence of micronutrient deficiencies: _____________ Particularly vulnerable groups: ____________________ Overall health assessment - include priorities for assistance: Water and sanitation Who is in charge? ____________________________ Normal sources of water: ___________________ Current sources - for drinking: ___________________ for washing, etc.: ____________________________ Estimates of current quantities provided: ____________ Is water tested or treated in any way? ___________ If so, how? ___________________________________ Assessment of damage to water system: ___________________ Assessment of damage to sewer system: ___________________ Changes in water supply expected due to seasonal variation: _________________ Assessment of solid waste disposal: _________________ Problems with rat control:_________________________ Overall assessment: water supplies are adequate or inadequate; safe or unsafe? Priorities for assistance: _______________________________________ Shelter and household function Who is in charge? _____________________________________ Assessment of damage to housing: ________________________ Availability of construction materials, plastic, etc.: _____________ What type of clothing are people wearing?__________________ Availability of blankets, sleeping bags, etc.: _________________ Impact of upcoming weather or season: __________________ Logistics and security Who is in charge?_____________________________________ Possible routes for humanitarian assistance: ______________ Assessment of roads and bridges, etc.: _________________ Availability of local storage facilities: _______________ Security___________________________________________
- checkpoints:_____________________________ Overall assessment: ______________________ Overall: Top priorities, constraints, etc. |
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