New Methods for Measuring, Monitoring and Evaluating Post-Disaster Recovery
Ronald Eguchi Principal Investigator, et al
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10477/23401
University of Buffalo Repository
Date: 2014-04-02
Abstract:
RECOVERYA
Research Collaboration between the University at Buffalo, ImageCat, University of British Columbia, University of Delaware and University of Memphis
Post-disaster recovery – one of the phases of the disaster management cycle – is a complex physical, social, economic, environmental, and political process. It lasts years, requires enormous financial and other resources, and can define the character of the affected communities for years to come. The literature includes a number of theoretical frameworks of recovery, and many empirical case studies of historic events. The empirical studies have often focused on a single dimension of recovery, such as households and housing, and they have typically relied on interviews, focus groups, and one-time surveys for data gathering. This literature offers rich cross-sectional insights into recovery at a given point in time, but limited views of changes over time or systematic, quantitative empirical descriptions of recovery over large areas. An excellent opportunity exists now to address some of these limitations using newly available high-resolution satellite imagery; previously underutilized statistical data, and advanced field survey techniques that capture a detailed geographically-referenced record of recovery through photographs, video, and observations. Given the importance of recovery, limitations of previous research on it, and new technological opportunities, this study will develop innovative methods for systematically and quantitatively measuring and monitoring post-disaster recovery.

Using Hurricane Katrina as a case study, the proposed project will achieve the following objectives: (1) Develop methods to process and interpret remote-sensing data to describe the physical and socio-economic manifestations of post-disaster recovery; (2) Obtain and compile quantitative and qualitative recovery data from: remote-sensing, field reconnaissance surveys, secondary statistical sources, interviews, and surveys; (3) Develop methods to analyze and synthesize the recovery data to comprehensively measure and monitor recovery; and (4) Demonstrate application of the new methods within the case study area. Improved tracking of recovery will serve as a critical first step for future efforts to better explain and evaluate recovery by addressing questions such as:;- For a disaster that has just occurred, over what timeframes and in what ways is recovery likely to unfold;- Why is recovery proceeding in a particular way;- How are recovery speed and character correlated with various pre- and post-disaster decisions and actions? Enhancing our ability to address such questions will bring many practical societal benefits. Governments, policy makers, and local organizations can apply findings to examine the impact of their decisions and ultimately to improve plans for and actions supporting future recovery efforts. The systematic examination of recovery in both a qualitative and quantitative way using multi-source data can empower communities and give them evidence to support their experiences of the recovery process. It can open a new source of dialogue and discourse that could have practical repercussions for the creation of resilient communities, for the distribution of aid and resources, as well as theoretical discussions on the potential identification of different types of recovery, dependent on their initial conditions and key decisions post-disaster. Further, by augmenting existing ways of empirically measuring recovery, the project will advance the state-of-the-art in post-disaster recovery studies. It will support the continuing development of a theory of post-disaster recovery through verifying or modifying existing theories.

St Antony’s International Review
Volume 9, Number 2, February 2014
http://www.stair-journal.org/

Community-Based Distribution of Family Planning Services in Humanitarian Settings: Identified Need and Potential from Malakal, South Sudan
Authors: Tanabe, Mihoko; De Jesus, Stacy; Anfinson, Katie; Krause, Sandra; Wiyat, Nhial; Murphy, Maureen; Duop, Joseph
Abstract:
Displacement can increase people’s desire and need for family planning while they simultaneously experience barriers to access. While community-based approaches to the distribution of family planning methods have been well-established and documented in other development contexts since the 1970s, limited documentation exists for community-based distribution (CBD) of contraceptives in humanitarian settings. The Women’s Refugee Commission and American Refugee Committee (ARC) implemented a pilot project on CBD of family planning services in Malakal, South Sudan, to examine whether CBD is applicable and feasible in a humanitarian setting and would enhance people’s access to and use of contraceptives. Through close consultation with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the project was implemented from May 2010-August 2011 in three administrative units in Malakal with a total population of 79,700. In August 2011, a process evaluation was conducted, consisting of a household survey, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and a review of routinely collected data. Qualitative data showed community openness to CBD. Current demand for family planning services appeared to be driven by changing circumstances, including lifestyle changes. Respondents did not naturally link conflict to challenges in obtaining family planning services. Analysis of routinely collected data reflected an increase in uptake at the community level. From the collected data, continued need and existing evidence from development contexts, CBD of family planning services appears feasible and promising, even in a volatile setting.

Complexity
March/April 2014 Volume 19, Issue 4 Pages fmi–fmii, 1–65
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cplx.v19.4/issuetoc
Research Article
Seeing it coming: A complexity approach to disasters and humanitarian crises
Claudio Cioffi-Revilla*
Article first published online: 8 APR 2014
DOI: 10.1002/cplx.21522
Abstract
Humanitarian crises and related complex emergencies caused by natural hazards or conflicts are marked by uncertainty. Disasters are extreme events mitigated through preparedness, response, and recovery. This article uses social complexity theory as a novel framework for deriving actionable insights on the onset T and severity S of disasters. Disaster distributions often show heavy tails, symptomatic of non-equilibrium dynamics, sometimes approximating a power law with critical or near-critical exponent value of 2, not “normal” (bell-shaped) or Gaussian equilibrium features. This theory-based method is applicable to existing datasets. Policy implications include the usefulness of real-time and anticipatory analytical strategies to support preparedness.

Report: Hidden victims of the Syrian crisis: disabled, injured and older refugees
Jointly published by HelpAge International and Handicap International
April 2014 48 pages

Executive summary excerpt
The Syrian crisis has generated the largest refugee movement since the Rwandan genocide and is described as the defining refugee crisis of our era. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, Syrian refugees are about to replace Afghans as the world’s largest refugee population. Within this refugee population older, disabled and injured refugees face specific challenges that contribute to their vulnerability, yet, studies of humanitarian programming show that these same groups are often neglected in the assessment, data collection, design and delivery of responses.

Therefore, in October and November 2013, Handicap International and HelpAge International undertook a research project to highlight the number and needs of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon living with impairment,2 injury3 and chronic disease4 – for the purposes of this study these groups are referred to as “people with specific needs”. Throughout the report specific consideration is given to the position of older people with specific needs. Due to access and security constraints it was not possible to collect data in Syria itself, however it is recognised that the needs of refugees identified in the following report will be reflected within Syria, and that in this more extreme humanitarian situation the issues outlined below demand further consideration and response.

The findings of this work present a new and critical perspective on the position of the identified groups and the risks and vulnerabilities they face, with far-reaching consequences for the way current humanitarian responses are designed and delivered. As such, the report aims to contribute to the evidence base humanitarians use to design responses, and to support the delivery of inclusive activities which identify and respond to the needs of people with specific needs.

The study shows that of the Syrian refugees surveyed:
:: 30 per cent of refugees have specific needs: one in five refugees is affected by physical, sensory or intellectual impairment; one in seven is affected by chronic disease; and one in 20 suffers from injury, with nearly 80 per cent of these injuries resulting directly from the conflict.
:: Older people account for 10 per cent of refugees with specific needs, yet they make up 4-5 per cent of the surveyed refugee population meaning they are disproportionately affected; 77 per cent of older refugees surveyed have specific needs.
:: Refugees with and without specific needs have the same basic concerns –a lack of income, availability and quality of shelter, and access to basic healthcare, food and essential household items.
:: The difficulties faced by those with specific needs in addressing basic concerns and accessing adequate levels of assistance have more severe consequences for their health and living conditions than the general refugee population.

While the psychological impact of the crisis on children has received significant attention, the same is not true for other potentially highly vulnerable population groups. The survey findings paint a bleak picture for refugees with specific needs:
:: They are twice as likely as the general refugee population to report signs of psychological distress.
:: 65 per cent of older refugees present signs of psychological distress.
Finally, the study provides an insight into the challenges faced by refugees with specific needs in undertaking basic daily activities. The assessment of challenges faced in conducting such activities forms a crucial part of the evidence base on disability in the refugee population, and suggests a higher level of disability among refugees than assumed to date…

PROSPERITY FOR ALL: Ending Extreme Poverty
A Note for The World Bank Group Spring Meetings 2014
April 2014 30 pages

“Economic growth has been vital for reducing extreme poverty and improving the lives of many poor people,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “Yet, even if all countries grow at the same rates as over the past 20 years, and if the income distribution remains unchanged, world poverty will only fall by 10 percent by 2030, from 17.7 percent in 2010. This is simply not enough, and we need a laser like focus on making growth more inclusive and targeting more programs to assist the poor directly if we’re going to end extreme poverty…To end extreme poverty, the vast numbers of the poorest – those earning less than $1.25 a day – will have to decrease by 50 million people each year until 2030. This means that 1 million people each week will have to lift themselves out of poverty for the next 16 years. This will be extraordinarily difficult, but I believe we can do it. This can be the generation that ends extreme poverty.”

:: Overview
In 2013, the Board of Governors endorsed two new goals for the World Bank Group
(WBG). First, the WBG would commit its full energies to bringing an effective end to extreme poverty by 2030. This means reducing to no more than 3 percent the fraction of the world’s population living on less than $1.25 per day. Second, the WBG would focus on ensuring that the benefits of prosperity are shared by shifting from a focus on average economic growth to promoting income growth amongst the bottom 40 percent of people. Critically, the goals need to be achieved in a sustainable manner, thus helping secure the long-term future of the planet and its resources, ensuring social inclusion, and limiting the economic burdens of future generations.
This short note begins by looking at progress to date in reducing global poverty and discusses some of the challenges of reaching the interim target of reducing global poverty to 9 percent by 2020, which was set by the WBG President at the 2013 Annual Meetings. It also reports on the goal of promoting shared prosperity, with a particular focus on describing various characteristics of the bottom 40 percent. A more detailed report with policy recommendations in the areas of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity is due for release at the Annual Meetings later this year.

:: Report Excerpt
…In conclusion
The World Bank Group’s ambition is to connect its vast knowledge, resources, and partnerships to provide solutions to country-specific development constraints. Helping accelerate progress toward the twin goals demands a new form of problem-solving engagement by the WBG, which has a more explicit focus on being a “solutions bank.” Defining and mapping the poor will be an important part and inform the World Bank Group’s strategic thinking for achieving its goals. It will also help policymakers throughout the world craft the policies needed to achieve more inclusive growth and to implement programs and strategies that will assist the bottom 40 percent to engage and benefit to the fullest in the welfare gains of their societies, while preserving the planet.
The newly created Global Practices (GPs) and Cross-Cutting Solution Areas (CCSAs) that will operate across the World Bank Group put the WBG in a better position to address the identified challenges to ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Indeed, the reforms aimed at creating a more nimble global structure, integrating the three main pillars of the institution—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and International Development Association (IBRD/IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—in combination with the GPs and CCSAs, will allow the WGB to assist client countries in addressing their development challenges in a unified manner and ultimately through that assistance support the implementation of the WBG twin goals.
Full report: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPROSPECTS/Resources/334934-1327948020811/8401693-1397074077765/Prosperity_for_All_Final_2014.pdf

OECD: Aid to developing countries rebounds in 2013 to reach an all-time high
8 April 2014
Overview Excerpt
Development aid rose by 6.1% in real terms in 2013 to reach the highest level ever recorded, despite continued pressure on budgets in OECD countries since the global economic crisis. Donors provided a total of USD 134.8 billion in net official development assistance (ODA), marking a rebound after two years of falling volumes, as a number of governments stepped up their spending on foreign aid.

An annual survey of donor spending plans by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) indicated that aid levels could increase again in 2014 and stabilise thereafter. However, a trend of a falling share of aid going to the neediest sub-Saharan African countries looks likely to continue.

“It is heartening to see governments increasing their development aid budgets again, despite the financial constraints they are currently facing,” said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría. “However, assistance to some of the neediest countries continues to fall, which is a serious concern. We will need to address this issue when the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation meets in Mexico next week, as well as the broader challenge of how to make the most of ODA in a growing pool of resources for development finance.” …

Donor performance
The largest donors by volume were the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and France. Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden continued to exceed the 0.7% ODA/GNI target and the UK met it for the first time. The Netherlands fell below 0.7% for the first time since 1974.
Net ODA rose in 17 countries, with the largest increases recorded in Iceland, Italy, Japan, Norway and the UK. It fell in 11 countries, with the biggest decreases in Canada, France and Portugal….
See tables and charts

Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 12 April 2014

Aid for health care
New prescriptions
Chronic diseases and a cash squeeze are prompting donors to rethink spending
Apr 12th 2014 | From the print edition
IN 2000 policy wonks from governments and aid organisations agreed on what would become the Millennium Development Goals, an ambitious set of development targets for 2015. Surprisingly, the fine words prompted concerted action. From 2001 to 2010 the aid devoted to health care grew by more than 10% a year, compared with 7% a year in the 1990s. Most of the new money went on fighting the scourges on the list: HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal and infant mortality

The growth in health-care aid has now slowed to less than half the rate of the early 2000s. And as 2015 approaches, donors are mulling new health-care goals. Ideas will be discussed at a big meeting of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC, on April 11th-13th. One is to make aid money go further by increasing the use of cash incentives for patients or health-care providers. Rather than merely buy inputs such as vaccines, donors would pay for results, such as each child who is immunised.

Such schemes can improve outcomes: one in Rwanda that offered cash rewards for clinics increased the share of women giving birth in the clinic, rather than at home, by 23%. But the design and implementation need thought, says Tim Evans of the World Bank: another in the Democratic Republic of Congo that paid clinics for offering more services—more prenatal consultations and childhood immunisations, for example—made little difference, perhaps because the bonus payments were too small.

Since 2008 the World Bank has devoted $2.5 billion to programmes that pay at least partly by results. It, and other donors, are thinking of shifting more of their spending to such schemes. But even if the outcome is greater efficiency, it will not deal with a bigger problem: the growing burden of chronic diseases in the developing world.

Research by Christopher Murray of the University of Washington published on April 8th in the journal Health Affairs shows a growing mismatch between the ailments donors spend most on tackling, and those that are taking the heaviest toll. About 55% of all aid for health care in 2011, the most recent year for which global figures were available, went to areas identified by the Millennium Development Goals. Just 1% went to chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, though these now account for half the years spent in bad health, or lost because of early death caused by illness, in developing countries.

Austerity in the rich world means that aid budgets are unlikely to start growing quickly again. And even if more money was forthcoming, chronic diseases are harder to target with aid programmes. A vaccine can be administered in one, or at most a few, doses and offers an easily calculated return on investment. Managing diabetes requires long-term monitoring and medication—that is, a functioning health-care system, which will have to be built by recipient countries’ governments.

It seems likely, then, that donors will continue to go for infectious diseases, leaving governments to tackle chronic ones. In a sign of the shift to come, Dr Murray reports that government spending on health care in poor and middle-income countries grew more quickly than health-care aid between 2010 and 2011. On April 11th ministers and aid specialists in Washington were due to discuss their next task: helping to ensure that by 2030 everyone, everywhere, has health care. The Millennium Development Goals look modest by comparison.

Joint press release: First mass vaccination campaigns start since polio found in Iraq
WHO-UNICEF
AMMAN, 6 April 2014
Excerpt – Editor’s text bolding
Polio vaccination campaigns commenced in Syria, Iraq and Egypt today, aiming to reach more than 20 million children over the next five days. For Iraq, this will be the first nationwide vaccination campaign since a case of polio was confirmed by the Ministry of Health on 30 March in a six-month-old boy from Rusafa, northern Baghdad. Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said, “The recent detection of a polio case in Iraq after a 14-year absence is a reminder of the risk currently facing children throughout the region. It is now even more imperative to boost routine immunisations to reach every child multiple times and do whatever we can to vaccinate children we could not reach in previous rounds. That’s the only way we will prevent this outbreak from spreading further.”..
…“Midway into the implementation of this outbreak response plan, we’re reaching the vast majority of children across the Middle East,” said Chris Maher, WHO Manager for Polio Eradication and Emergency Support. “In the second phase of the outbreak response we must work with local partners to reach the hardest-to-reach – those pockets of children who continue to miss out, especially in Syria’s besieged and conflict areas and in remote areas of Iraq. We won’t stop until we reach them.” …Since the outbreak was announced UNICEF has delivered 14 million doses of polio vaccines to Syria.
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_73006.html

AMREF [to 12 April 2014]

Amref Health Africa – Legendary Organisation Gets a Brand New Name
Nairobi, April 11
Amref Health Africa (formerly the African Medical and Research Foundation – AMREF) launched its new name and logo yesterday at a colourful ceremony in Nairobi presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mr James Macharia.
The event was attended by several ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, partners, donors, community members, media and Amref Health Africa board members and staff.
In his speech to launch the new brand, Mr Macharia expressed his appreciation for the role Amref Health Africa had played in supporting the Government of Kenya in improving health and health services for Kenyans. He noted several examples of collaboration between Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health, including supporting the ministry in implementation of its Community Health Strategy through training and support supervision of community health workers; building capacity of senior health managers; undertaking and disseminating the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey; and improving health services in Kenya’s northern arid lands.
The Minister expressed his personal gratitude and that of the Government for Amref Flying Doctors’ recent airlifting to Nairobi of a baby who had been shot in the head by terrorists in Mombasa, and whose family could not afford to get him treated. He also cited the organisation’s work in improving maternal health and water and sanitation, which had boosted the government’s efforts and helped to reduce the burden of disease in the country.
“Amref Health Africa is a unique NGO. You are a true partner for the Government, which is why you are probably the only NGO whose patron is the President of Kenya,” he said.
Amref Health Africa Director General Dr Teguest Guerma said that the change in name was necessitated by the fact that the organisation’s scope of operation had expanded greatly over the 57 years of its existence.
“Amref has grown from a tiny outfit operating in East Africa to its current status as Africa’s leading health development non-governmental organisation. We now reach people in 35 countries in Africa, including West Africa. We have built a staff base of the most qualified technical experts in all our fields of operation,” she said, and added: “Our work across the continent confirms our position as a leader in community health. In 2013 alone, 11 million people benefited from our work and we trained over 160,000 people through our programmes and projects.”
Kenya Country Director Dr Lennie Bazira Kyomuhangi, described the organisation’s work and extensive reach in Kenya, and introduced several community members who had benefited from its programmes. “Amref Health Africa’s work began in Kenya before expanding to the rest of Africa, and our focus has always been on communities. They are our most important partner in everything we do. On behalf of the people who benefit from our work, I wish to thank the Government, donors and all our partners who have all played a crucial role in helping us to make a difference in these communities,” she said.
The vote of thanks was given by Lelein Kinyanjui Kanunga, who has been trained by Amref Health Africa as a peer educator for Maasai morans in the organisation’s Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights programme in Kajiado County. He thanked the organisation for the difference it had made in his community, particularly in improving the health of women and youth. He also thanked the Government for working with Amref Health Africa and all those who had given funds to support the organisation’s projects.

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Amref Health Africa @AMREFUSA Apr 11
Our fight against #malaria goes on http://www.coastweek.com/3714-kenya-03.htm …

Retweeted by Amref Health Africa
Amref Health Africa ‏@AMREFCanada Apr 10
We’re changing! But, just our name. Today, AMREF becomes Amref Health Africa. http://www.amrefcanada.org/media-centre/news/amref-launches-a-fresh-brand/ … #globalhealth pic.twitter.com/cvOwauEB8e

Amref Health Africa @AMREFUSA Apr 8
Dr. Mengiste changes lives one operation at a time. Thank you for carrying out 801 operations in 12 months! http://bit.ly/cInOSU #WHWWeek

Aravind Eye Care System [to 12 April 2014]

AravindEyeFdtn @AravindEye Apr 11
Aravind Eye Foundation News April 2014 #constantcontact http://conta.cc/1iDNde7

BRAC [to 12 April 2014]

LANSA calls for women’s empowerment and harmonised policy action for making agriculture more nutrition-sensitive at a workshop held by BRAC
“Nearly half the population in South Asia depends on agriculture, yet the potential of agriculture to reduce malnutrition in this region has not been well recognised.” This was a message that emerged from a daylong workshop and open forum organised by BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED)on 7 April at BRAC Centre Inn Auditorium, Dhaka. BRAC is one of the key partners of the international research programme consortium titled Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia (LANSA). ……Read More

BRAC awards Bangladesh police driving certificates
7 April 2014, Dhaka. Twenty officials from the Bangladesh police received certificates today, 7 April 2014, on the completion of their driving training from BRAC Driving School. This successful first batch of Bangladesh police has finished a rigorous five weeks of driving training. The event to recognise their achievement was held from3.30-5pm at BRAC Learning Centre (BLC) in Uttara, Dhaka. Over 95 percent of all road accidents are caused by human errors and most of them are preventable…….Read More

BRAC @BRACworld Apr 11
Don’t forget to check out our new video about BRAC’s innovative approach to ending #extremepoverty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=troXQ4CTs1I&list=PL5sHBH5T4J5uTirkNzQ90sD8Shw5tN0LA … #endpovertyfriday

Retweeted by BRAC
Susan Davis ‏@SusanDavisBRAC Apr 10
Just launched! @changemakers #play2learn global ideas competition. #ideaconf14 @BRACworld

Casa Alianza [to 12 April 2014]
Covenant House [to 12 April 2014]

07/04/2014 – CASA UK Article on the Northamptonshire Telegraph website on Team Nicaragua at the Street Child World Cup

Casa Alianza UK @CasaAlianzaUK Apr 12
#streetchildren deserve our attention EVERY day of the year. Do something practical today. http://bit.ly/1k2jssT pic.twitter.com/dhCQJMwzgv

Casa Alianza UK @CasaAlianzaUK Apr 10
Brand-new on our blog: The Bravery of Boys – Sidestepping Stereotypes: https://www.facebook.com/CasaAlianzaUK/posts/686251644749387?stream_ref=10 … #StreetChildWorldCup @OficialCAN #gender #Rio

Rose’s Tragic Story: Just One Story, Out of Thousands
Monday, April 7, 2014 at 10:45 am
Kevin M. Ryan
In a few days I will join hundreds of anti-trafficking advocates at the United Nations to raise our voices in the fight against modern slavery. I worry the magnitude of our global cause sometimes obscures the depths of individual human suffering at stake here, but the youth of Covenant House never let me forget. That is especially true for Rose, whose name and small identifying information I am changing in this post to protect her privacy…

ECPAT [to 12 April 2014]

ECPAT attends the 2015 Global Education Countdown Summit
Posted on 04/10/2014, 15:28
ECPAT believes that achieving primary education for all children is a critically important goal and the Countdown to 2015 is vital to keep energy and commitments high. However, in the process we need to acknowledge the 5-10% of children that will be left behind because they are in situations that require special interventions to get them into a classroom, maintain their enrollment and ensure that they learn. These special interventions are complex, time intensive, costly and most often related to protection, rehabilitation and reintegration.

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ECPAT-USA @ecpatusa Apr 11
There are new summer internship opportunities available with ECPAT-USA! Apply today > http://ow.ly/vGCIJ

ECPAT-USA @ecpatusa Apr 10
TONIGHT – Join us at @NYUniversity for a special panel discussion with reps from @unicefusa, ECPAT, and more! > http://ow.ly/vDXli

Handicap International [to 12 April 2014]

Handicap Intl UK ‏@HI_UK Apr 10
Leave no-one behind: Handicap International UK welcomes Disability and Development Inquiry report http://bit.ly/1jwkIRF

Handicap Intl UK @HI_UK Apr 10
We’ve supported 180,000 vulnerable people affected by the Syria crisis –From emergency rehab to psychological support http://bit.ly/1ipavD6

Handicap Intl UK @HI_UK Apr 10
@tobyhporter @GrassiNicoletta @boggs_dorothy Thanks to all that have shared our http://bit.ly/HiddenVictims report by us and @helpage

Handicap Int’l-US @HI_UnitedStates Apr 9
Read the new HI / @HelpAge_USA report at http://bit.ly/Hidden_Victims #refugees #Lebanon #jordan

Heifer International [to 12 April 2014]

April 11, 2014
Farmers and Staff Safe After Nicaragua Earthquake
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
At 5:27 p.m. on April 10, 2014, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake centered near Lake Managua in Nicaragua occurred. All Heifer International Nicaragua staff members are safe and sound, and they have taken security measures at the office. Heifer Nicaragua projects are not located in the most affected areas, and no project participants or project counterparts have reported injuries, damages or losses.

April 9, 2014
Heifer International Partners in Live Below the Line
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
Heifer International has signed on as a participating sponsor for the first time with The Global Poverty Project’s Live Below the Line campaign, which seeks to highlight current victories in poverty reduction and provide an experience akin to what life is like for the 1.2 billion people who live in extreme poverty.

Heifer International ‏@Heifer Apr 12
In Nepal, Heifer is training women to build businesses as community entrepreneurs: http://hefr.in/1icp28L

Heifer International @Heifer Apr 11
See how @HeiferCEO plans to Live #BelowtheLine in Haiti: http://hefr.in/1i9JbMG

Heifer International @Heifer Apr 11
Ribbon & cake cutting to open @Heifer’s new Kampala offices w/ partners (1/2) pic.twitter.com/3hcY2ggMXt

Heifer International @Heifer Apr 9
Deepen your commitment to ending hunger and poverty by signing up for Heifer’s email: http://hefr.in/1i2lLJf

HelpAge International [to 12 April 2014]
PRESS RELEASE: Strictly embargoed until 00:01, 9 April 2014
Hidden victims: Radical change needed for older, disabled and injured Syrian refugees
London, 9 April 2014
New research published today shows that older, disabled and injured Syrian refugees are paying a double toll as a result of the conflict. The report, released by Handicap International and HelpAge International, provides new data showing how much these vulnerable refugees are struggling to meet their specific needs…
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HelpAge @helpage Apr 11
Check out our data on healthy life expectancy at birth for 195 countries. http://bit.ly/1eepC13 #UHC2030

HelpAge ‏@helpage Apr 11
Read our blog: Primary healthcare system reform is essential to meet the needs of rapidly ageing populations http://bit.ly/1e4B44F #UHC2030

HelpAge @helpage Apr 10
Check out latest Global AgeWatch newsletter: Stories on #Syria, #healthcare, #post2015 & #disability. Sign up! http://mad.ly/2192b4?o=ts

HelpAge @helpage Apr 9
New #data on older, disabled & injured Syrian #refugees from us & @HI_UK http://bit.ly/1qpRTat Check out infographic pic.twitter.com/N6OkTw4tQR

HelpAge ‏@helpage Apr 7
New blog: On #WorldHealthDay we show that #health systems must change http://bit.ly/1e4B44F #UHC

HelpAgeUSA @HelpAge_USA Apr 9
Our new report w @HI_UnitedStates shows ppl w #disabilities, #olderpeople & those w injuries struggling #SyriaCrisis http://bit.ly/1lKGUYW

Retweeted by HelpAgeUSA
Toby Porter ‏@tobyhporter Apr 7
New blog: On #WorldHealthDay we show that #health systems must change http://bit.ly/1e4B44F #UHC

International Rescue Committee [to 12 April 2014]
Press Releases
IRC Welcomes UN Security Council Decision to Send Peacekeeping Troops to Central African Republic
Calls for Robust International Engagement
New York 10 Apr 2014 – The International Rescue Committee welcomes the UN Security Council’s decision today to authorize a UN peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic (CAR). Since the outbreak of conflict there 18 months ago, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, and an untold number, estimated in the thousands, have been killed.
“The crisis in the Central African Republic needs the kind of attention now being given by the UNSC. The level of violence and instability in the country is horrifying,” said the IRC’s president, David Miliband. “The 20th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide is an all too vivid reminder of the dangers of inaction. Today’s decision by the UN is an important first step – but the peacekeepers are not arriving until September and there is vital humanitarian work to be done now. The Central African Republic needs ongoing international engagement at diplomatic and political as well as humanitarian levels.”…

Blog
Don’t forget the markets! How can we make markets a core part of the humanitarian business?
April 11, 2014 by Radha Rajkotia
Over the last three days, 50 representatives from the humanitarian and financial sectors got together in New York to discuss how to engage with and strengthen markets during humanitarian crises. The non-humanitarian might question why this discussion is even necessary — haven’t we already worked out that it’s important not to squash local markets by dumping food or other forms of aid into them? Don’t we already work with the private sector to make sure markets can get up and running as quickly as possible after a crisis?
The short answer is yes – sort of.
As in many areas, the distinction between humanitarian and development programming continues to drive a wedge between program implementers and programming that can meet both short-term (life-saving) objectives and longer term (livelihood promoting) objectives. A few years ago, I remember sitting in meetings with practitioners engaged in economic development programming, who would complain about the mess that humanitarians would leave behind them as they distorted markets and inadequately laid the foundations for subsequent market development activities. The development of the Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis toolkit (EMMA) and the Minimum Economic Recovery Standards went some way to communicating the importance of this problem and providing guidance on how humanitarian practitioners might better set the tone for subsequent market strengthening interventions. Over the years since then, there has been broad acceptance of the importance of market awareness (at minimum) during humanitarian response, with over 80 in-depth market assessments that have been conducted in humanitarian emergencies as far reaching as Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Afghanistan to Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali…

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Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 12
New on #FastSlow: How can we make #markets a core part of the humanitarian business? By @radharajkotia: http://bit.ly/1i94D4y

Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 11
Live webcast of @theIRC & @USAID #DCOF event on reducing #violenceagainstchildren starts in 30 mins. Watch it HERE: http://bit.ly/1iDqMpo

Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 10
.@theIRC is delivering clean drinking water to some 30,000 people, across conflict-ridden #SouthSudan pic.twitter.com/TrManOnn4K

Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 9
#SouthSudan by @Peter_Biro. 1M people have been forced from their homes by ongoing conflict http://bit.ly/IRCSouthSudan . pic.twitter.com/UDj5kI7XfB

Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 9
IRC’s 20 years in #Rwanda, Part 2: http://bit.ly/1gLcTCZ pic.twitter.com/8eGpSGD7c9
Intl Rescue Comm IRC ‏@theIRC Apr 8

Intl Rescue Comm IRC @theIRC Apr 8
This year, IRC has helped immigrants from 70+ countries become US citizens. Learn about our citizenship work: http://bit.ly/LMBO1j (2/2)

IRCT [to 12 April 2014]

News
IRCT to mark 40 years of the anti-torture movement with a special 8 April event
06-04-2014
On 8 April, the IRCT will celebrate the 40 years of the anti-torture movement initiated by Danish doctor and human rights defender Inge Genefke, with an event including poetry readings, a presentation by a unique anti-torture writing group, and the presentation of the prestigious Inge Genefke Award.
The event marks 40 years since human rights defender, Dr Inge Genefke, placed an advertisement requesting help from doctors willing to investigate torture in Chile, an advert which encouraged the development of the first medical group for the rehabilitation of torture victims in Denmark.
From this beginning on 8 April 1974, the first medical group under Amnesty International was created, and from this blossomed the evolution of the anti-torture movement, including the International Rehabilitation Council for torture Victims (IRCT). Now with over 140 centres in 73 countries, the IRCT has come a long way from its humble beginnings and provides rehabilitation services to thousands of torture victims every year.
To commemorate the anniversary, the 8 April event at Domus Medica, Copenhagen, will feature a range of activities including speeches from the IRCT Secretary-General Victor Madrigal-Borloz and IRCT President Suzanne Jabbour, poetry readings, and presentations from two participants in a unique therapeutic writing project from UK anti-torture organisation Freedom From Torture.
The 8 April commemoration event will take place on Tuesday 8 April from 1730hrs at Lægeforeningen Domus Medica, Kristianiagade 12, 2100 København Ø.
The ‘Write to Life’ project, which is administered by UK torture rehabilitation network Freedom From Torture, is a writing group which meets twice a month to allow survivors of torture to formulate their experiences into creative texts, many of which have been used in collaborations with opera and performing arts groups who dramatise the experiences of torture survivors.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Inge Genefke Award, an annual prize given to a prominent human rights defender in celebration of their dedication to preventing torture. Previous winners include Veli Løek (2004), Monica Ferrier (2006), Frances Lovemore (2008), June Lopez (2010) and Jim Jaranson and Jose Quiroga (2012).
This year’s winner will be revealed at the event.

IRCT ‏@IRCT Apr 7
Join us in our #Rwanda20yrs campaign to tell the stories of female victims of torture #RwandaRemembers http://www.irct.org/media-and-resources/irct-news/show-news.aspx?PID=13767&Action=1&NewsId=3864 …

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 12 April 2014]
Ethiopia: Urgent Assistance Needed for South Sudanese Refugees
April 10, 2014
Tens of thousands of refugees who have fled violence and deprivation in South Sudan and sought refuge in camps in Ethiopia’s Gambella region lack water, food, and sanitation and are suffering from emergency medical conditions.
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Press release
South Sudan: UN Indifferent to Displaced People
April 09, 2014
NEW YORK—In a shocking display of indifference, senior officials with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have refused to improve living conditions for 21,000 displaced people living in a flood-prone part of a UN peacekeeping base in the capital Juba, where they are exposed to waterborne diseases and potential epidemics, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said today.
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Press release
MSF Response to the New WHO Guidelines for Hep C Treatment
April 09, 2014
Geneva/New York—Patent barriers and high prices on oral treatments for hepatitis C could make it too expensive for developing countries to scale-up diagnosis and treatment of the disease, said the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today. The warning comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) issued the first-ever guidelines for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV).
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Press release
Greece: MSF Denounces Indefinite Detention of Migrants
April 08, 2014
ATHENS/BRUSSELS/NEW YORK—A decision by Greek authorities to detain migrants indefinitely is an appalling sign of the country’s harsh treatment of migrants, worsening their already desperate situation, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières said today.
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MSF International @MSF 10h
7000 people flee clashes in Boguila on friday, 30 women & kids flee to MSF hospital to stay overnight #CARcrisis : http://tinyurl.com/ojm5c73

MSF International @MSF Apr 11
MSF resumes activities in #Ebola centre in Macenta, southeast #Guinea http://bit.ly/1iDuqQ4

MSF International @MSF Apr 9
Shameful attitude to vulnerable displaced by leadership of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) http://bit.ly/1hrj8BK

MSF International ‏@MSF Apr 8
MSF denounces #Greece ‘s decision to detain migrants indefinitely until they are forcibly returned/voluntarily return http://www.msf.org/article/msf-denounces-greek-authorities%E2%80%99-decision-detain-migrants-indefinitely …

Partners In Health [to 12 April 2014]

Apr 11, 2014
Reflections on the Rwandan Genocide: Peter Niyigena

Apr 09, 2014
Reflections on the Rwandan Genocide: Jean Claude Rutayisire
I was among the very first patients treated by PIH and brought back to life. I was very impressed with the work they were doing, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS. Read

Apr 07, 2014
Reflections on the Rwandan Genocide: Emmanuel Kamanzi