Assessment & Strategic Planning What does Continuum mean in the humanitarian context? Utilizing the “Relief-to-Development” Continuum of Service Model

Topics of Discussion Definition of Continuum Historical perspective An example in the content of a natural disaster Conclusion by looking at Concerns Questions for thought Assessment and Strategic Planning

An Assessment in the Content of Public Health A Medical Checkup A Public Health Needs Assessment Compared to:

An Assessment in the Content of Public Health Medical Checkup Compared to: Public Health Needs Assessment:  Initial goals and objectives  Outcome goals and objectives  Treatment plan vs. strategic plan

Relief-to-Development: Assess and Plan Initial Assessment  Geo-political context,  Population description,  Environmental characteristics,  Major health issue,  Resources; human and material,  Operating Partners.

Relief-to-Development: Assess and Plan Strategic Plan  Intervention  Required  Feasible  Priorities of Intervention (SPHERE)  Implementation of Intervention  Logistics  Resources needed  Time line  Share Information for Continuation of Service

Share Information for Continuation of Service! Tactical Plan  Identify responsible people for meeting strategic objectives,  Describe the methodology of meeting the objectives,  Identify a timeline of activities  Match expertise and resources

Share Information for Continuation of Service! Assessment = Identification of Needs Strategic Plan = Road map of intervention Tactical Plan = Work Plan for Intervention

Share Information for Continuation of Service Intervention Share Information Re-Assessment Assessment Tactical Plan Strategic Plan

“Relief-to-Development” Continuum of Service Model

Dictionary Definition: A coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence or progression of values or elements varying by minute degrees; good or bad.

Historical perspective First appeared in Early 1990’s Natural disaster context Complex Political Emergencies Transfer to different context

Definition in Humanitarian Context: The concept of Continuum has many different perspective and approaches. UNHCR defines it as… “a seamless continuity of service to beneficiaries from the preparedness phase through 1) Emergency, 2) Rehabilitation, 3) Reconstruction to 4) Development, and continuing through planning and prevention of any further crisis.”

W.H.O. argues that… “a Continuum is the unbroken chain of interlinked activities throughout emergency preparedness, emergency relief, rehabilitation and development.” Definition in Humanitarian Context: (Continued)

Relief-to-Development Perspective Development Prevention and Mitigation Preparedness Event Emergency Response Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Share Information for Continuation of Service Intervention Share Information Re-Assessment Assessment Tactical Plan Strategic Plan

Relief-to-Development Perspective Development Prevention and Mitigation Preparedness Event Emergency Response Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Perspective for Contemplation!!! Development Prevention & Mitigation Preparedness Event Emergency Response Rehabilitation Normalcy Reconstruction

Concerns Little attention to the need for continuity and the exchange of information between the actors. Neglect of one phase seriously affects the success of the next phase. Poor or little support from the media, resulting in insufficient funding and political attention.

Concerns Increasing resources spent on emergencies to the detriment of assistance to development Rehabilitation becomes more important than development Emergencies render subsequent development more difficult and complex

Challenges Humanitarian actors: be concerned with developmental needs just as much as the needs of the emergency response stage All international actors, at all stages: to be attentive to the real needs and priorities as perceived by the population concerned and not by their own agenda Increased coordination between:  humanitarian actors,  humanitarian actors & development actors and,  the local authorities.

Questions for thought Linear vs. cyclical In a linear model there are discrete events that follow a preplanned path. From Point A to Point B, to Point C….until all of the points add up to the end of the line segment. Only one point in question, or at best, the point before and after are of interest.