This handbook is a tool for working in "complex
emergencies" or other situations where customary working conditions and
normal procedures are suspended.
In addition to giving an overview of various
players in the response effort and their individual responsibilities, as
well as WHO regulations and administrative procedures, it provides information
on:
- Readiness: Practical advice in preparing
for assignment
- Getting to the field: Practical hints
for travel, useful contacts and sources of information
- Preparing for operations: Resources and
logistic infrastructures available locally
- Starting operations: Partners in the field,
plans of action and mobilization of resources
- Running operations: Standardising, collecting,
collating and disseminating data
- Completing your assignment: Preparing
for departure
Based on the experiences of WHO staff, UN
agencies and NGOs, the intended audience include WHO country representatives,
professional health staff, administrative and logistic staff and consultants.