Epidemic Control for Volunteers: A Training Manual

Purpose

This toolkit is designed to guide actions in response to epidemics. It consists of three major components: disease tools, which describe the diseases that can cause epidemics; action tools which describe actions that need to be taken in epidemics; and community message tools which provide important information for the community.

Overview

Three steps have to be followed to use the toolkit:

  • Step 1: Find the card that matches the disease the local health authorities have said is causing the epidemic. Remember what causes the disease, how it is transmitted, what symptoms it causes, how it is prevented and controlled, and what volunteers can do to help.
  • Step 2: Find the appropriate action tool by matching its number with that of the disease tool. Identify the vulnerable members of the community, know the source and cause of the epidemic, and rely on these cards for specific actions to help people during the epidemic.
  • Step 3: Match the numbers on the front of the chosen action tool with those on the correct community message tool. The tools need to be read carefully to ensure understanding, and then should be shared with other members of the community so that, in any epidemic, everyone knows what to do, and what not to do.
  • A list of disease tools with corresponding actions can be found on pp. 78-79.

Usage: Training; Guidance for project implementation

Themes: Response / relief; Community-based or community participation; Health; Information, Public awareness and public education /Education and Communication; Institutional preparedness; Epidemic Control; Communicable disease; Project/programme planning

Audiences: Technical staff; Volunteers

Citation: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2008). Epidemic Control for Volunteers: A Training Manual (pp. 1-109).

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Download: https://www.rcrc-resilience-southeastasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Epidemic-Control-for-Volunteers.pdf

The Role of Social Capital in Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Thailand

The role of social capital in strengthening disaster resilience in Thailand

Purpose

This study aims contribute to the existing evidence base on how social capital can be harnessed to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Thailand. While social capital is generally recognised as an important means to building community resilience, there is still little knowledge about how it can be best utilised towards DRR efforts. The study is based on a literature review and field work carried out in three communities in Thailand.

Overview

  • The study finds that, despite the attachment and harmony that people feel towards their community, levels of social trust are low. This has implications not only for Thai communities’ abilities to respond to, and cope with, disasters, but also in their abilities to prosper and thrive as a nation.
  • Thai communities are built on strong family ties and on strong bonds with friends and neighbours. It is a society of very strong immediate networks, in that very few people lack a support network. However, this means that, for the minority that do lack social capital, life can be extremely difficult. As such, investments in social capital must ensure that they are broad-based and inclusive, with a focus on integrating marginalised populations, such as undocumented migrant communities or political and religious minorities.

Usage: Learning from experience

Audiences: National Society leadership, Technical staff

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Download: https://www.rcrc-resilience-southeastasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IFRC_Social-Capital_Thailand_FINAL2.pdf

Of Norms, Networks, and Trust. The Role of Social Capital in Reinforcing Community Resilience

Of networks, norms, and trust_The role of social capital in reinforcing community resilience

Purpose

This study analyses the role of social capital in community resilience.  The paper bases its analysis on recent literature and on case studies from nine communities in Nepal, China and Myanmar. The research included a household survey with 888 respondents, and workshops with communities and Red Cross branches.

Overview

  • Cognitive aspects of social capital such as social embeddedness, trust and propensity to civic engagement appear to be the critical foundation on which overall resilience depends. The case of Bingalar, a Myanmar village severely affected by the 2008 Cyclone Nargis, where villagers supported each other through the first days of hardship and recovery, illustrates how social capital can make a tremendous difference to resilience and overall outcomes.
  • Social capital is one of the key driving forces behind community resilience – the others being economic, human, physical and natural capital.
  • The study finds that existing IFRC tools can be used to assess structural aspects of social capital if they are properly understood and used. For instance, the baseline survey tool (part of the VCA toolkit) needs to be complemented with a component that can capture cognitive social capital.

Usage: Learning from experience

Audiences: Technical staff

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The road to resilience – Bridging relief and development for a more sustainable future, IFRC discussion paper on resilience 2012

Purpose:

The purpose of this document is to present key partners with the IFRC’s definition of, and perspectives on, resilience. It includes case studies from America, Asia and Africa.

Overview:

  • For the IFRC, resilience is defined as the ability of individuals, communities, organisations, or countries exposed to disasters and crises and underlying vulnerabilities to anticipate, reduce the impact of, cope with, and recover from the effects of adversity without compromising their long-term.
  • Interventions to strengthen resilience aim to: (a) address underlying causes of vulnerability in order to protect development; (b) reduce and mitigate radical drops in resilience caused by disasters and crises; and (c) enhance bouncing back from adversity.
  • To strengthen resilience there is a need to accept that people come first. Resilience is not something outsiders can do, or bring to individuals or communities; one must respect local ownership. Dependency on outside support or substitution should be avoided as much as possible. It is also necessary to engage in comprehensive cross-sector assessments, planning and implementation, and to develop a long-term perspective. Strengthening resilience does not happen overnight and requires long-term engagement and investment; working in partnership; knowing the limits; and strengthening disaster laws and policies.
  • Characteristics of a resilient community, with case studies, can be found on pp. 17-25.

 

Usage:Guidance for project implementation

Audience: National Society leadership, Technical staff

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Download: http://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/96178/1224500-Road%20to%20resilience-EN-LowRes%20(2).pdf

Beneficiary Communication and Accountability. A Responsibility, Not a Choice: Lessons Learned and Recommendations

Purpose

This document outlines lessons learned from recent beneficiary communication and accountability (BCA) programmes in Indonesia, Haiti and Pakistan and provides recommendations and emerging guidelines for volunteers and staff in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on how to incorporate BCA into emergency response, recovery and development work.

Overview

  • Programme Delivery: BCA programming should go beyond one-way information, and instead form a two-way dialogue with communities, to support well-informed and better quality programming and advocacy. Two-way communication should become a priority in the recovery phase of a disaster programme if not before; communication with beneficiaries is more effective when the information is relevant, accessible, clear and timely. Multiple channels and methods should be used to communicate and link these; sharing all information, both positive and negative, builds community trust in the organisation. A beneficiary communication and accountability plan should also be developed that involves a society’s stakeholders and clearly defines roles and responsibilities.
  • Strategy and leadership: Develop a BCA policy that explains the programme; integrate BCA processes into existing key policy and guidelines; articulate the link between BCA and accountability to beneficiaries.
  • Organisational structure and programme title: Embed the BCA programme within sector programme teams, when possible, and consider changing the title of the programme to reflect links to accountability.
  • Resources (technical, financial and human): Invest in capacity-building of BCA volunteers and staff and the technology to support programming; modify BCA volunteer and staff terms of reference to reflect expanded functions of the beneficiary communication role.
  • Skill-sharing processes and internal networks: Raise awareness of the importance of BCA approaches to stakeholders through training, and internal and external communication.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: Technical staff, Communication staff, Volunteers

Citation: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2011). Beneficiary Communication and Accountability. A Responsibility, Not a Choice: Lessons Learned and Recommendations (pp. 1-68).

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Download: http://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/94411/IFRC%20BCA%20Lesson%20Learned%20doc_final.pdf

Public Awareness and Public Education for Disaster Risk Reduction: Key Messages

Purpose

Harmonised messaging is a key goal in disaster reduction awareness, and is particularly important when it comes to scaling-up efforts to create a culture of safety. To promote consistent actions to the public this document sets out the key messages for public awareness and public education in all-hazard household and family disaster prevention. It then presents hazard-specific advice for drought, earthquakes, floods, pandemics, tropical storms and wildfires.

Overview

Key messages for all-hazard household and family disaster prevention are:

  • Find out what could happen and stay informed;
  • Make a household disaster and emergency plan, considering everyone in the household;
  • Reduce structural, non-structural and environmental risks in and around the home;
  • Learn response skills and practise the plan;
  • Prepare response provisions to survive for about a week, including evacuation bags;
  • Work with family members’ workplaces, schools, neighbours and local community to assess risks, plan to reduce them, and prepare to respond.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: Technical staff; Communication staff

See also: Public Awareness and Public Education for Disaster Risk Reduction: A Guide

Citation: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2013). Public Awareness and Public Education for Disaster Risk Reduction: Key Messages (pp. 1-68).

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Download: https://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/103320/Key-messages-for-Public-awareness-guide-EN.pdf

Handbook for a School-based Risk Reduction Initiative

Purpose

This handbook presents basic content and tips for implementing a school-based risk reduction programme. It is organised into five modules: its importance; approach and process; activities to benefit children up to five years old; activities for students aged 5–17; and activities for young people and volunteers aged 17–24.

These modules are based on good practice from around the world, although they build on the Comprehensive School Safety model for South-East Asia.

Overview

  • A generic framework for school-based risk reduction initiatives is illustrated in a diagram on p.10. The Comprehensive School Safety framework suggests a series of continuing activities that include: identifying the hazards in and around a school; conducting drills; preparing contingency and disaster management plans by involving parents, teachers and students; and building on the capacities of an institution and individuals to cope with the challenges during an unforeseen event. It also consists of three pillars: safe learning facilities; school disaster management; and risk reduction and resilience education.
  • The Red Cross/ Red Crescent school-based risk reduction model can be found on p. 21. It provides differential strategies to impact children and youth (up to age 24 years).

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: Technical staff; Volunteers

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Download: https://www.rcrc-resilience-southeastasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/RCRC-Handbook-for-CSS.pdf

Integrating Climate Change and Urban Risks into the VCA – Ensure effective participatory analysis and enhanced community action (2014)

Purpose

The guidelines in this document have been developed to specifically address two key recommendations that have emerged from the vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) review. They are to provide further guidance to national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies on how to: i) integrate information on the additional risks and vulnerabilities linked to climate change into the existing VCA process and tools; ii) ensure that relevant information is included on what needs to be done differently when conducting a VCA in an urban context, and on using the existing VCA tools.

Overview

  • Climate change issues need to be reinforced in the VCA to ensure that additional risks (present and future) caused by a changing climate will be included in long-term risk and vulnerability-reduction strategies. A box on how to address some of the impacts of climate change in VCA can be found on pp. 34-37.
  • On p. 43 a figure illustrates the 12 steps involved in VCA. While climate change needs to be considered throughout, it uses arrows to show the steps whereby the VCA team will need to think about, or do, things slightly differently to ensure that the added risks brought by climate change are properly addressed.
  • VCA can be applied in urban areas. This requires adapting the tools but not changing the VCA methodology. When carrying out VCA in urban areas, fundamental social and physical differences between rural and urban locations need to be taken into account.
  • On p. 60 a figure illustrates the 12 steps involved in VCA and uses arrows to illustrate key points when additional attention to the urban context will need to be given by the National Society and the VCA team

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Audiences: National Society leadership, Technical staff

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Participatory Evaluation of the Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) and Comparative Analysis with the Community Based Disaster Risk Assessment (CBDRA)

Purpose

This document is an evaluation of the Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) and Community Based Disaster Risk Assessment (CBDRA) being carried out in 20 communes in Vietnam. The evaluation focuses on how VCA is managed to include vulnerable groups such as people with disability (PWD), the elderly, women and children, and how VCA can be adjusted to developments such as climate change adaptation and urbanisation. It also looks at the effectiveness of the VCA for local disaster risk reduction planning.

The study also looks into the differences and comparative advantages and disadvantages of CBDRA with the objective of informing the implementation by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) of its own VCA, and its supporting role to the government CBDRA.

Overview

  • The evaluation shows that VNRC’s VCA capacity is in need of maintenance. To ensure that the VCAs have a meaningful contribution to effective local community risk reduction planning, the following areas need attention: meaningful inclusion of vulnerable groups through better facilitation; better data analysis and reporting; and follow-up on VCA results at different levels. In addition, VNRC needs a better system to maintain and develop its pool of trainers.
  • VNRC should recognise that, even if it decided to adopt the CBDRA, it would likely keep a core position in community assessments in Vietnam, as its support would be indispensable to the Vietnamese government in implementing the CBDRA.

Usage: Learning from experience

Audiences: Technical staff

For Vietnamese version, click here Tiếng Việt, size 3 MB.

Citation: Hoa, N. T. P. & Miltenburg, M. (October 2015). Participatory Evaluation of the Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) and Comparative Analysis with the Community Based Disaster Risk Assessment (CBDRA). International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (pp. 1-109).

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Download: https://www.rcrc-resilience-southeastasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/VCA-Evaluation-Report-Eng.pdf

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA): Manual for Viet Nam Red Cross Practitioners

Purpose

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive guide, for disaster risk reduction in general and particularly for those facilitating vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA) in the community.

Overview

The manual is divided into three sections:

  • The first section: ‘What is VCA’ provides conceptual information and key components, and outlines the main components that guide the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC) facilitator while undertaking the VCA process.
  • The second section: ‘Principles of conducting a VCA’ highlights important links of the VCA tool between development and disaster management. In addition, this section emphasises different approaches of conducting VCAs.
  • The last section: ‘Practical Guide for conducting a VCA’ provides accessible and practical information on different VCA tools and ways to conduct VCAs with the active participation of vulnerable groups. It also provides information on the process of facilitating a VCA in the field. This section serves as the ‘how to’ guide for the facilitators, based on the information provided in the previous two sections.

Usage: Guidance for project implementation

Themes: Disaster preparedness; Risk assessment; Risk reduction / management; Community-based or community participation; Community capacity assessment; Project/programme planning

Audiences: Technical staff

For English version part 2, click here Part 2, size 0.87 MB

For Vietnamese version, click here Tiếng Việt  Part 1, size 0.79 MB and Part 2 size 0.95 MB.

Citation: Vietnam Red Cross (2010). Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA). Manual for Vietnam Red Cross Practitioners Part I & II (pp. 1-48).

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