This week has been a bit up and down.
The ups relate mostly to when aid/ response and the relevant NGO, inter-government agencies and other actors are all at their best.
When we assist people, we need to determine the best beneficiaries of that assistance, which is usually done through an assessment process. This is done across communities and either performed by one NGO in a geographic area, or with a particular speciality, who then works through data sharing agreements with other actors to ensure that there is neither duplication or gaps in services.
Alternatively a group of NGO and inter-government actors can get together and do the assessments as a team.
In the Abaco Islands, the Bahamian Government's Department of Social Services decided to conduct the population assessment, but we are now 8 weeks past the disaster and they still are not completed. This is hindering direct assistance to many individuals.
As a result, those of us that want to get assistance out more efficiently have grouped together to do a more comprehensive, but also more expedient assessment that should cover the whole of the island region in the next two weeks. This consortium includes WFP, IOM, IFRC, ADRA, Samaritan's Purse, Heart to Heart and The Salvation Army. In one really productive workshop yesterday, between us we had come up with the assessment tool, logistical means, communications pieces, budget and funding and enumerators necessary to complete the task. Collaboration at its best.
The downs this week are more personal. I had experienced an insect bite a few weeks ago that developed into a significant cellulitis. Just as the treatment for that was underway, a new pharyngitis behind my adenoids stuck and meant I was having shocking fevers and couldn't swallow. Thankfully I believe that is also on the mend now, but for those of you that are pray-ers, our whole team could do with prayers for health and wellbeing while we are here!
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