Humanitarian Assistance

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Shannon Doocy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the effectiveness and value for money of cash based Humanitarian Assistance a systematic review
    Journal of Development Effectiveness, 2018
    Co-Authors: Hannah Tappis, Shannon Doocy
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACTThis review aimed to assess evidence on effectiveness and value for money of cash-based Humanitarian Assistance. We followed standard procedures for review of (quasi) experimental studies and adapted procedures for studies reporting costs, cost-effectiveness, cost–benefit or cost–utility of unconditional cash transfer, conditional cash transfer and voucher programmes in Humanitarian settings. Of 4094 identified studies, only five met effectiveness review inclusion criteria. These five, plus five others, met cost review inclusion criteria. Although limited conclusions about comparative effectiveness and value for money can be drawn from this review, findings do provide important insights for consideration in design and evaluation of programmes in crisis-affected settings.

  • are cash based interventions a feasible approach for expanding Humanitarian Assistance in syria
    Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shannon Doocy, Hannah Tappis, Emily Lyles
    Abstract:

    The conflict in Syria is the largest driver of displacement worldwide with 4.1 million Syrian refugees, more than 6.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs), and 13.5 million people in need (PiN) of protection and Humanitarian Assistance inside Syria. Over the past decade, cash-based interventions (CBIs), including both conditional and unconditional cash transfers and voucher programs, have become increasingly common. While the cash-based response within Syria to date has been small compared to in-kind Assistance, there is widespread interest in expanding the use of CBIs. This study explores the feasibility of cash-based modalities with the aim of informing future Humanitarian Assistance delivery strategies in northern Syria. The feasibility of CBIs is examined in terms of acceptability, infrastructure, Humanitarian agency implementation capacity, value for money, risks, and responsiveness to changes in beneficiary needs. A mixed methods approach was used consisting of a literature review in addition to a household survey and key informant interviews (KIIs) conducted in early 2016 in four governorates of Syria (Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, and Al-Hasakeh). Overall, 64.5% of surveyed households received Assistance during the 4-month period from October 2015 through January 2016. In-kind Assistance was most common, with 59.2% of households receiving in-kind food aid. More than half of households received only one or two distributions of Assistance in any form. Unmet needs were ubiquitous, and food was the priority in 74.1% of households. Despite relatively limited coverage of cash and voucher Assistance programs to date, stakeholders voiced a widespread preference for cash transfers as did household survey participants. When analyzed by sector, cash Assistance was preferred by survey respondents for all sectors except WASH. The most significant challenge in implementing CBIs in Syria is the lack of a regulated cash transfer system for movement of funds into the country. The bulk of Humanitarian money is currently transferred through informal value transfer networks (hawala), which appears to have the capacity to handle larger-scale cash transfer programming. Technical guidance and standardized procedures are needed to ensure due diligence is conducted to mitigate fiduciary risks and ensure accountability to both beneficiaries, donors, and other stakeholders. The possibility of more sustained, continuous Assistance provided through cash transfer or voucher mechanisms negates many of the barriers faced in providing in-kind Assistance. Consideration of the feasibility of cash as an alternative modality relies on local-level assessment of capacity, resources, political environment, beneficiary needs and preferences, and lessons learned from previous programs in those areas.

  • Are cash-based interventions a feasible approach for expanding Humanitarian Assistance in Syria?
    Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shannon Doocy, Hannah Tappis, Emily Lyles
    Abstract:

    Background The conflict in Syria is the largest driver of displacement worldwide with 4.1 million Syrian refugees, more than 6.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs), and 13.5 million people in need (PiN) of protection and Humanitarian Assistance inside Syria. Over the past decade, cash-based interventions (CBIs), including both conditional and unconditional cash transfers and voucher programs, have become increasingly common. While the cash-based response within Syria to date has been small compared to in-kind Assistance, there is widespread interest in expanding the use of CBIs. This study explores the feasibility of cash-based modalities with the aim of informing future Humanitarian Assistance delivery strategies in northern Syria. Methods The feasibility of CBIs is examined in terms of acceptability, infrastructure, Humanitarian agency implementation capacity, value for money, risks, and responsiveness to changes in beneficiary needs. A mixed methods approach was used consisting of a literature review in addition to a household survey and key informant interviews (KIIs) conducted in early 2016 in four governorates of Syria (Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, and Al-Hasakeh). Results Overall, 64.5% of surveyed households received Assistance during the 4-month period from October 2015 through January 2016. In-kind Assistance was most common, with 59.2% of households receiving in-kind food aid. More than half of households received only one or two distributions of Assistance in any form. Unmet needs were ubiquitous, and food was the priority in 74.1% of households. Despite relatively limited coverage of cash and voucher Assistance programs to date, stakeholders voiced a widespread preference for cash transfers as did household survey participants. When analyzed by sector, cash Assistance was preferred by survey respondents for all sectors except WASH. The most significant challenge in implementing CBIs in Syria is the lack of a regulated cash transfer system for movement of funds into the country. The bulk of Humanitarian money is currently transferred through informal value transfer networks (hawala), which appears to have the capacity to handle larger-scale cash transfer programming. Technical guidance and standardized procedures are needed to ensure due diligence is conducted to mitigate fiduciary risks and ensure accountability to both beneficiaries, donors, and other stakeholders. Conclusions The possibility of more sustained, continuous Assistance provided through cash transfer or voucher mechanisms negates many of the barriers faced in providing in-kind Assistance. Consideration of the feasibility of cash as an alternative modality relies on local-level assessment of capacity, resources, political environment, beneficiary needs and preferences, and lessons learned from previous programs in those areas.

  • the impact of the earthquake and Humanitarian Assistance on household economies and livelihoods of earthquake affected populations in haiti
    American journal of disaster medicine, 2012
    Co-Authors: Thomas D Kirsch, Eva Leidman, William Weiss, Shannon Doocy
    Abstract:

    Objective: On January 12, 2010, one of the most destructive earthquakes in history struck the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. This study aims to characterize the impact of the earthquake and Humanitarian response on well being of the affected households as means of evaluating the effectiveness of response efforts. Design: A stratified 60 × 20 cluster survey was conducted in Port-au-Prince internally displaced persons camps (n = 600) and neighborhoods (n = 596) in January 2011. Clusters were assigned using probability proportional to size sampling and data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: The earthquake affected incomes in 90 percent of camp and 73 percent of neighborhood households (p < 0.001); camp households were consistently worse off by most measures of economic and food security. As compared to camps, living in a neighborhood was associated with increased odds of better/same income status (Odds ratio, OR: 1.78, Confidence interval, CI: 1.25-2.53), employment (OR: 1.47, 1.01-2.14), and food access (OR: 1.83, CI: 1.33-2.52).With respect to earthquake impacts, damage to the home was associated with decreased odds of better/same food access (OR: 0.55, CI: 0.33-0.93) and injuries with decreased odds of better/same income status (OR: 0.57, CI: 0.37, 0.87).Within 1 month of the earthquake, 89 percent of camp and 46 percent in neighborhood households had received Humanitarian Assistance (p ≤ 0.001); however, receipt of aid was not associated with improved income, employment, or food access at 1 year postearthquake. Conclusions: The immediate impacts of injury and mortality had marginal influences on long-term household economic security, whereas displacement into camps was stongly associated with negative outcomes for income, employment, and food access.

  • food security and Humanitarian Assistance among displaced iraqi populations in jordan and syria
    Social Science & Medicine, 2011
    Co-Authors: Shannon Doocy, Adam Sirois, Jamie Anderson, Margarita Tileva, Elizabeth Biermann, Douglas J Storey, Gilbert Burnham
    Abstract:

    The Iraq conflict resulted in the largest displacement in the Middle East in recent history, and provision of health services to the displaced population presents a critical challenge. With an increase in the number of people affected by complex emergencies and the number of people displaced in urban settings, the international community must adapt intervention strategies to meet the specific demands and contexts of this population. The study aimed to provide information on food security and livelihoods for Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan to inform Humanitarian Assistance planning. National cross-sectional cluster sample surveys of displaced Iraqi populations displaced were conducted in Jordan (October 2008) and Syria (March 2009). Clusters of ten households were randomly selected using probability-based sampling; a total of 1200 and 813 Iraqi households in Jordan and Syria, respectively, were interviewed about food security and receipt of Humanitarian Assistance. In Syria, 60% of households reported the household food situation had declined since the arrival period as compared to 46% in Jordan. Food aid receipt was reported by 18.0% of households in Jordan and 90.3% of households in Syria. In Jordan, 10.2% of households received cash Assistance and in Syria 25.3% of households received cash Assistance. In Jordan, cash Assistance was associated with low socioeconomic status, large household size, and UNHCR registration. In Syria, female headed households, Damascus residents, families with children, and those registered with UNHCR were more likely to receive cash Assistance. Food insecurity remains a concern among displaced Iraqi households in both Jordan and Syria. Improved targeting of both food and cash Assistance and the expansion of cash-based programs could lead to a more effective use of funds and facilitate the implementation of Assistance programs that are sustainable in the context of declining funding availability.

Judith Randel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • aid the military and Humanitarian Assistance an attempt to identify recent trends
    Journal of International Development, 1994
    Co-Authors: Judith Randel
    Abstract:

    This paper is in three parts. The first looks at recent trends in expenditure on Humanitarian Assistance and post-cold war shifts in thinking: on sovereignty and intervention; on peacekeeping and ODA; and on the changing role of defence and security. The second looks at collaboration between aid agencies, NGOs and the military on the ground, and the responsibility for costs and policy. The third makes some comments on the extent to which Humanitarian Assistance and peace enforcement are compatible and suggests considerations for future collaboration.

Frederick M Burkle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • rationale for military involvement in Humanitarian Assistance and disaster relief
    Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 2020
    Co-Authors: Deon V Canyon, Benjamin J Ryan, Frederick M Burkle
    Abstract:

    Good relations and trust are the foundation of soft power diplomacy and are essential for the accomplishment of domestic interventions and any bilateral or multilateral endeavor. Military use for Assistance and relief is not a novel concept, but it has increased since the early 1990s with many governments choosing to provide greater numbers of forces and assets to assist domestically and internationally. The increase is due to the growing lack of capacity in global Humanitarian networks and increasingly inadequate resources available to undertake United Nations Humanitarian Assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. In response, the military has been more proactive in pursuing the improvement of military-to-military and military-to-civilian integration. This trend reflects a move towards more advanced and comprehensive approaches to security cooperation and requires increased support from the civilian Humanitarian sector to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Military Assistance is progressing beyond traditional methods to place a higher value on issues relating to civil cooperation, restoring public health infrastructure, protection, and human rights, all of which are ensuring a permanent diplomatic role for this soft power approach.

  • implementation of evidence based Humanitarian programs in military led missions part i qualitative gap analysis of current military and international aid programs
    Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 2008
    Co-Authors: Erik J Reaves, Kenneth Schor, Frederick M Burkle
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: A recent Department of Defense instruction mandates country-specific assessments, identification of interventions, and development of guidance for Department of Defense to plan, train, and prepare for the provision of Humanitarian Assistance in stability operations. It also directs the use of outcome-based measures of effectiveness and the establishment of processes facilitating transparency of information. Whereas this would align military-led projects closer to the standards of the international aid community, how this process will be developed and implemented within the military has not yet been determined. METHODS: To begin developing an evidence-based program for military-led Humanitarian aid, we conducted a qualitative gap analysis comparing information from a Web search of Department of Defense medical after-action reports, lessons learned, and expert interviews with the internationally accepted standards in Humanitarian Assistance impact assessment. RESULTS: There is a major gap in the ability of the Department of Defense to assess the impact of Humanitarian Assistance in stability operations compared with international development standards. Of the 1000 Department of Defense after-action reports and lessons learned reviewed, only 7 (0.7%) reports refer to, but do not discuss, impact assessment or outcome-based measures of effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation shows that the Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance operations are, historically, recorded without documentation using quantifiable health data identifying which aid activities contributed directly to desired outcomes or favorable public opinion, and rarely are analyzed for effectiveness. As Humanitarian Assistance operations assume an ever greater role in US military strategy, it is imperative that we investigate useful impact assessment models to meet mission directives and, more important, to maximize coordination in a necessarily integrated and cooperative development environment. These findings provide baseline knowledge for the implementation of an evidence-based impact assessment process to validate future Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance operations. Language: en

  • anatomy of an ambush security risks facing international Humanitarian Assistance
    Disasters, 2005
    Co-Authors: Frederick M Burkle
    Abstract:

    The 2003 war with Iraq has generated security concerns that present unique challenges to the practice of providing international Humanitarian Assistance during war and conflict. Objective research studies on security management are lacking. However, case studies have proven to be an important education and training tool to advance situational awareness of security risks. These challenges are illustrated by an analysis of the events surrounding the first ambush of, and assassination attempt on, a senior US aid official in Baghdad. Before deployment to conflict areas, especially those characterised by insurgent activity, Humanitarian providers must realistically assess the threats to life and to the mission. They must obtain pre-deployment situational awareness education, security training and optimal protective equipment and vehicles.

Ali Akbarisari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • characteristics of an effective international Humanitarian Assistance a systematic review
    PLOS Currents, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shandiz Moslehi, Ali Ardalan, William L Waugh, Daniel C Tirone, Ali Akbarisari
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION The objective of this study is to identify the effectiveness characteristics, review the definition of them, and develop a conceptual mapping of existing domains in the field of International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA). METHODS We conducted a systematic review and searched the major databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Springer and Pubmed) and grey literature, including references of potentially eligible articles and conference proceedings through March 2015. Articles were included if they focused on IHA effectiveness. Reviewers independently identified the eligible studies and extracted data. RESULTS 10 studies were included and 48 characteristics were identified. There is a lack of scientific studies and agreement on the characteristics of IHA effectiveness. CONCLUSION This study could be the step toward an understanding of IHA effectiveness characteristics and its definitions with the findings making a base line for more research in this area.

Gilbert Burnham - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • food security and Humanitarian Assistance among displaced iraqi populations in jordan and syria
    Social Science & Medicine, 2011
    Co-Authors: Shannon Doocy, Adam Sirois, Jamie Anderson, Margarita Tileva, Elizabeth Biermann, Douglas J Storey, Gilbert Burnham
    Abstract:

    The Iraq conflict resulted in the largest displacement in the Middle East in recent history, and provision of health services to the displaced population presents a critical challenge. With an increase in the number of people affected by complex emergencies and the number of people displaced in urban settings, the international community must adapt intervention strategies to meet the specific demands and contexts of this population. The study aimed to provide information on food security and livelihoods for Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan to inform Humanitarian Assistance planning. National cross-sectional cluster sample surveys of displaced Iraqi populations displaced were conducted in Jordan (October 2008) and Syria (March 2009). Clusters of ten households were randomly selected using probability-based sampling; a total of 1200 and 813 Iraqi households in Jordan and Syria, respectively, were interviewed about food security and receipt of Humanitarian Assistance. In Syria, 60% of households reported the household food situation had declined since the arrival period as compared to 46% in Jordan. Food aid receipt was reported by 18.0% of households in Jordan and 90.3% of households in Syria. In Jordan, 10.2% of households received cash Assistance and in Syria 25.3% of households received cash Assistance. In Jordan, cash Assistance was associated with low socioeconomic status, large household size, and UNHCR registration. In Syria, female headed households, Damascus residents, families with children, and those registered with UNHCR were more likely to receive cash Assistance. Food insecurity remains a concern among displaced Iraqi households in both Jordan and Syria. Improved targeting of both food and cash Assistance and the expansion of cash-based programs could lead to a more effective use of funds and facilitate the implementation of Assistance programs that are sustainable in the context of declining funding availability.

  • emerging issues and future needs in Humanitarian Assistance
    Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 2001
    Co-Authors: Michael J Vanrooyen, Steven Hansch, Donna Curtis, Gilbert Burnham
    Abstract:

    During the past two decades, there has been tremendous investment in the ability to intervene in disaster settings, and significant barriers remain to providing appropriate services to populations affected by natural and man-made calamities. Many of the barriers to providing effective Assistance exist within the NGO community, and illustrate emerging needs for international agencies. These emerging needs include improving methods of recipient participation to promote the local health system, developing improved methods for quality assurance, enhancing options for personnel development, and addressing long-term needs of reconstruction and rehabilitation. Relief agencies face challenges on all levels to develop sound practices in providing Humanitarian Assistance that can lead to long-term benefits to populations affected by disaster.