| Focal Topic: Natural catastrophe |
| Disaster management - Experiences and Learnings |
| An interview with Shari Temple, Managing Director Europe of Aidmatrix Foundation Inc., an organization that builds and operates technological systems to help people in humanitarian crisis. |
| Shari, what do you think are the main problems for both the international community and the non-governmental organizations (NGO) after large natural disasters like Haiti for example?
One of the key problems after a major disaster is effective communication and coordination. This is particularly true when communication and transportation infrastructure have been heavily impacted by a disaster. As we saw with Haiti, aid was being flown in but in many cases the planes were not able to land. Even more disheartening was when the plane was able to land and refuel but was not able to unload the cargo. Although the press was critiquing the aid agencies for not getting there faster, many NGOs quickly put plans in place but were unable to deliver and distribute the products. In one case, there were needed pharmaceutical donations ready to ship from the UK but due to custom regulations in Haiti, the NGO was not sure that they could get the drugs into the country – and the Haiti government was unable to respond to queries on how to override the rules.
Can you tell us why and how the solutions of Aidmatrix can be helpful?
Although Aidmatrix cannot fix the physical communication and transportation infrastructure, we can help with the coordination effort through better and more open communication. Aidmatrix provides technology to provide more transparency. The Aidmatrix Network is a suite of technology solutions that can be quickly enacted following a disaster. Within 24 hours after the earthquake hit Haiti, Aidmatrix had an on-line donation system set-up for processing cash donations and in-kind donations (products, services, transportation, volunteers). The Aidmatrix Network allows registered NGOs to post their specific needs. These needs can be viewed by individuals or corporations to know exactly what is needed before making a donation. In addition, Aidmatrix has warehouse management solutions that provide real-time information on available inventory with the opportunity for NGOs to look into each other’s inventory. The network approach of Aidmatrix allows sharing of both information and products among NGOs.
From your point of view, what are the lessons learned concerning Disaster Management?
First of all, no two disasters are the same. Although spring flooding may be predictable in some areas, in general major disasters like the Haiti earthquake and the 2004 Tsunami were not predictable. This makes it difficult to pre-position aid in the needed locations. At the same time, there are many disaster preparedness activities and plans that can be of value. In a recent disaster relief survey conducted in Europe by Aidmatrix, we learned from all the countries that responded that there is some level of annual training and also inventory in place in preparation for a disaster. The mission of Aidmatrix is to assist aid agencies and governments with their humanitarian relief supply chains and to encourage the sharing of information among the agencies. We believe that more coordination and cooperation among the aid agencies will improve the ability to respond to a disaster.
Last but not least, can you tell us a little more what is at the moment most needed in Haiti.
Money, money, money. There are still so many people needing help and then the rebuilding of the area. You can actually see exactly what NGOs in Haiti need today by going to www.aidmatrix.org/haiti . There you can make a financial donation. You can also click on the ‘In Kind Donation’ button and see all the items that are currently needed. This system is updated real-time so you can see exactly what is needed. We encourage people to share this link with their company, family and friends.
This interview was conducted by Carmen Paul, AidConnect.
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