RAPID HEALTH ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS FOR EMERGENCIES

( By WHO - OMS, 1999 )

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10-Presenting results

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
· other vulnerable groups?

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:_____________________________

- local security: ____________________________



Overall assessment: ______________________

Overall: Top priorities, constraints, etc.

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