Handbook for Emergencies - Second Edition (UNHCR, 1999, 414 p.)

(introduction...)

Using the Handbook

Introduction

Abbreviations

UNHCR's Mission Statement

1. Aim and Principles of Response

(introduction...)

Definition and Aim

Responsibilities

Principles of Response

2. Protection

(introduction...)

Introduction

Protection in Emergencies

Initial Actions

Physical Safety of Refugees

Emergencies as a Result of Changes in Government Policy

Other Persons of Concern to UNHCR

Durable Solutions

Key References

Annexes

3. Emergency Management

(introduction...)

Introduction

The Key Emergency Management Functions

Stages in Refugee Emergency Operations

Key References

4. Contingency Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Planning as a Process

Contingency Planning Tasks

Characteristics of a Good Plan

Key References

Annexes

5. Initial Assessment, Immediate Response

(introduction...)

Introduction

Organizing the Assessment

Immediate Response

Protection and Material Assistance

Key References

Annexes

6. Operations Planning

(introduction...)

Introduction

Operations Planning Tasks

Allocation of Responsibilities

Annexes

7. Coordination and Site Level Organization

(introduction...)

Coordination

Organization at the Site Level

Key References

Annexes

8. Implementing Arrangements

(introduction...)

Introduction

Implementing Arrangements

Implementing Procedures

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

Special Considerations

Key References

Annexes

9. External Relations

(introduction...)

Relations with Government and Diplomatic Corps

Relations with the Media

Funding and Donor Relations

Formal Written Communications

Annexes

10. Community Services and Education

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organizing Community Services

Human Resources

Family Tracing and Reunification

Groups at Risk and Vulnerable Groups

Education

Key References

Annexes

11. Population Estimation and Registration

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Population Estimates

Registration

Key References

Annexes

12. Site Selection, Planning and Shelter

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Response

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Planning: General Considerations

Site Planning: Specific Infrastructure

Shelter

Reception and Transit Camps

Public Buildings and Communal Facilities

13. Commodity Distribution

(introduction...)

Overview

When to start distribution

Choosing a Commodity Distribution System

Components of Distribution Systems

The Role of Refugee Women

Monitoring

Key References

14. Health

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Health Assessment, Planning, Monitoring and Surveillance

Main Health Programmes

Organization of Refugee Health Care

Human Resources and Coordination

Key References

Annexes

15. Food and Nutrition

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of Food Support

Nutritional Assessments

General Feeding Programme

Selective Feeding Programmes

Infant Feeding and use of Milk Products

Key References

Annexes

16. Water

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Assessment and Organization

The Need

Immediate Response

Water Supply Systems

Water Sources

Pumping Equipment

Treatment

Storage

Distribution

Key References

17. Environmental Sanitation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Basic Principles And Standards

Human Resources And Organization

Human Excretia Disposal

Solid Wastes

Wastewater

Pest and Vector Control

General Hygiene

Disposal Of The Dead

Key References

Annexes

Annexes

18. Supplies and Transport

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

Organization of the Supply Chain

Supplies

Transport

Reception of Goods

Storage

Stock Management

Key References

Annexes

19. Voluntary Repatriation

(introduction...)

Overview

Introduction

UNHCR's Role in Voluntary Repatriation

Conditions For a Voluntary Repatriation

On Route

On Arrival in Country of Origin

Key References

Annexes

20. Administration, Staffing and Finance

(introduction...)

Introduction

Emergency Staffing

Budget and Finance

Non-Expendable Property and Office Supplies

Office Premises

Official Transport

Office Organization

Key References

Annexes

21. Communications

(introduction...)

Introduction

Communications Management

Telecommunications

UNHCR Telecommunications Network Field Preparations

Key References

Annexes

22. Coping with Stress

(introduction...)

Introduction

Identifying Stress Symptoms

Techniques for dealing with Stress

Key References

23. Staff Safety

(introduction...)

Introduction

The UN Security System

Essential Plans

Security

Security Management

Key References

24. Working with the Military

(introduction...)

Introduction

Categories of Military Forces

Possible Roles of Military Forces in Humanitarian Operations

Coordination Between Military Forces and Civilian Agencies

Key References

Appendix 1 - Catalogue of Emergency Response Resources

Appendix 2 - Toolbox

Appendix 3 - Memoranda

Appendix 4 - Glossary

Collection of the information required for the other tables should be progressively introduced as the situation stabilizes.

In order to detect problems and to monitor the impact of any health programme, it is necessary to collect information over time so as to follow trends. The tables below are designed to allow tabulation of information on a weekly or monthly basis. Graphical presentation of the same information will make it easier to detect trends. The tables may need to be adjusted to reflect the needs of actual situations.

1. Demographic Information

Table 1 - Population

Sources of demographic information: registration Estimate Government Other

% of total population which is under 5 =

% of total population which is female =

Note: demographic information does not necessarily have to be reported in a table format. The denominator used for calculation of rates could differ from the official working figure and this should be clarified.

2. Mortality

2.1 Mortality rates

Mortality rates (segregated by age and sex) should be given per 10,000 per day

A. Crude Mortality Rate: CMR

Table 2.1 A

B. Under five years old mortality rates (U-5 MR)

Table 2.1 B

Female / Male ratio:

A graph line (to show trends) for CMR and U-5 MR could be attached.

2.2 Cause-specific mortality

Tables 2.2 (2.2 A for total population and 2.2 B for under-five population).

From table 2.2 A and 2.2 B, pie charts could be attached to the report.

The list of diseases is provided as an indication.

Comments on mortality:

3. Morbidity

3.1 Incidence (Number of new cases per 1,000 of the population for the period)

Tables 3.1 (3.1A for total population and 3.1B for under-five population).

The list of diseases is provided as an indication.

3.2 Out-Patient Department (OPD) consultations

Table 3.2 Number of consultations per refugee per year.*

* from the total number of OPD consultations per camp, extrapolate to define the number of consultations per refugee per year. As an example: 10,000 consultations in one month in a camp of 30,000. 10,000 × 12 = 120,000 / 30,000 = 4 consultations/refugee/year.

Comments on morbidity:

4. Nutrition

4.1 Supplementary Feeding Programme Monthly Report

This table is contained in Annex 4 of chapter 15 on nutrition.

4.2 Therapeutic Feeding Programme Monthly Report

This table is contained in Annex 5 of the chapter 15 on nutrition.

4.3 Food basket monitoring

See chapter 15 on food and nutrition. If undertaken, please specify by whom and the results.

Comments on nutrition:

5. In-Patients Department (IPD) Activities

5.1 Activities

Table 5.1 (per week or month)

5.2 Main Causes of discharge/deaths in IPDs

Table 5.2 (per week or month).

Comments on IPDs:

6. Referral System

6.1 Total number of patients transferred for admission and where:

6.2 Causes of transfer

Table 6.2

Comments:

7. Main Health Programmes
7.1 Reproductive Health
7.1.1 Safe motherhood

a. Deliveries: Birth

Table 7.1.1

· a1: total # and % of birth in health centre or hospital:

· a2: total # and % of birth assisted by a Trained Birth Attendant (but outside health centre or hospital):

· a3: total # and % of other births (i.e. A - (a1 + a2):

· total number and % of complicated deliveries:

· total # of cases of neonatal tetanus:

· total # and % of deliveries with adequate Tetanus Toxoid (TT) coverage:

b. Ante-natal care (ANC)

· total # of expected pregnancies per year:

· total # of new ANC consultations (last 3 months) and % compared to expected:

· % of women with three ANC visits at delivery:

· are supplements given to pregnant women? specify criteria and supplements provided:

· RPR test (syphilis test): % of positive tests:

c. Other information

· maternal mortality: # and incidence per 100,000 live birth per year:

· Peri/neonatal mortality: # and incidence per 1,000 live birth per year:

· # of abortions and % per number of pregnancies:

· low birth weight (below 2.5 kg): provide # and percentage per total number of births:

· # and percentage of total number of births having a post-natal consultation:

7.1.2 Sexual and gender based violence

· # of cases of sexual and gender based violence per month (incidence per 10,000):

· is there any special programme for Female Genital Mutilation (where prevalent)? if yes, give brief description:

7.1.3 STDs including HIV / AIDS

· enforcement of universal precautions:

· % of blood tested for HIV before transfusion:

· % of HIV positive among blood tested:

· distribution of condoms, # and percentage of acceptance:

7.1.4 Family Planning (every three months)

· number of new acceptors in last three months, per method:

· total # and % of acceptors per method:

7.1.5 Adolescents

Is there any special programme for adolescents? if yes, give a brief description:

Comments on reproductive health:

7.2 Extended Programme of Immunizations (EPI)

· measles vaccination coverage:

· other antigens coverage:

· are there any vaccine preventable diseases prevalent in the camps?:

· comments:

7.3 Tuberculosis (every three months and not usually during the emergency phase)

· expected number of new cases per year (i.e. prevalence in country of origin):

· treatment protocols:

Table 7.3

7.4 Cholera/Meningitis/Hepatitis/Micronutrients deficiencies etc.

On daily, weekly and/or monthly basis: number of cases, number of deaths and attack rate (cumulative) and Case Fatality Rate (cumulative). Graphic representation could be attached to the report.

7.5 Mental health

Provide a description of the mental health programme.

7.6 Training activities

Provide a description of training activities which have taken place during the reporting period: type of training, by whom, to whom, etc.

7.7 Laboratory activities

8. Information on other vital sectors

· availability of potable water: # litres per person per day

· availability of functioning latrines per # of persons

· % of population with adequate shelter

· quantity of soap available per person per month

· specify vector control activities

Annex 2 - Possible organisation of health services in a major emergency Number of births in a year