Source: ACAPS (Full report at end of this summary – or from here
ACAPS has conducted a Quick Impact Survey as part of its efforts to better understand the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact on current humanitarian operations. It was sent to humanitarian organisations worldwide.
Key findings:
Measures imposed by governments or taken by organisations to protect staff and the recipients of their services have not stopped operations. While operations are affected almost everywhere, they largely continue.
Important adaptations have become necessary to ensure continuation of business and adjust to the new situation. Respondents report a shift in focus of their operations, as well as in the way they function.
There is a backlash against the staff of humanitarian organisations in some countries. Considering that we are only seeing the start of the pandemic in many countries, there is a risk the backlash may intensify.
Two lessons learned from previous epidemic responses were identified, which may be beneficial in the COVID-19 response:
The role community engagement is essential for a successful response
The risks of reallocating resources, particularly to other activities in the health sector
