Coordination, information and effective action are essential in post-conflict and post-disaster health activities

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28 April 2011 - Granada, Spain - Good coordination between the different actors involved in post-conflict and post-disaster situations - strengthening the leadership of national actors - reliable information, sustained funding as well as quick and effective action are some of the keys that are required to improve recovery processes of crisis affected countries during and after the relief phase. This was the conclusion of two-day global consultation on the methodologies of post-conflict and post-disaster needs assessments (PDNA/PCNA) and recovery processes, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada. The meeting, focusing specifically on the health sector, brought together 36 experts representing all stakeholders involved in the post-conflict, post-disaster and recovery planning, with the aim of analysing previous experiences from different perspectives. "There are many difficulties that hinder these processes" says Daniel López Acuña, of WHO's humanitarian response team and coordinator of the event. "The lack of detailed and reliable information, limited government capacities in post-conflict or disaster, political pressure and lack of sustained funding are just some of the challenges for an effective recovery process" Participants reviewed challenges and lessons learned from a technical perspective and policy of previous experiences with the two processes in different countries such as Haiti, the Philippines, Liberia and Sudan. Based on the results of the group work and discussions, WHO will revise the health sector guidance for PDNAs as well as develop a sector guidance on PCNAs. A full report of the meeting will be published soon. Tarik Jasarevic Media and Advocacy Officer Health Action in Crises World Health Organization Mobile: +41 793 676 214 Tel: +41 22 791 5099 E-mail: jasarevict@who.int