Yemen_stories - iMMAP Inc.

WHO and iMMAP’s Long-Standing Partnership in Yemen Strengthens Overall Response to Health Emergencies

iMMAP — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:15:54 +0000

{“main-title”:{“component”:”hc_title”,”id”:”main-title”,”subtitle”:”iMMAP’s long-term agreement with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has yielded tangible results in the fight to ease Yemen’s health issues”,”title_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_base”,”id”:”title-base”,”image”:””,”breadcrumbs”:true,”white”:true},”title”:”WHO and iMMAP’s Long-Standing Partnership in Yemen Strengthens Overall Response to Health Emergencies”},”section_5ZtkF”:{“component”:”hc_section”,”id”:”section_5ZtkF”,”section_width”:””,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”vertical_row”:””,”box_middle”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”section_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_rdlhA”,”column_width”:”col-md-5″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_pt_post_informations”,”id”:”a4yht”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”post_type_slug”:””,”position”:”left”,”date”:true,”categories”:false,”author”:true,”share”:true}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_trLbT”,”column_width”:”col-md-4″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_social_share_buttons”,”id”:”3SE2w”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”type”:”circle_tt”,”position”:”right”,”link_type”:”share”,”text”:”Share”,”social_colors”:false,”fb”:true,”fb_link”:””,”tw”:true,”tw_link”:””,”g+”:true,”g+_link”:””,”li”:true,”li_link”:””}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_SunVe”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”cJ3cl”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”VmOJa”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”The crisis in Yemen has left over 20 million Yemenis deprived of access to adequate healthcare, according to the latest numbers provided by the recently released 2021 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO). \n\nThe multiple, deadly epidemiological outbreaks, including cholera and diphtheria – whose spread accelerated by colossal floods – have encumbered an already weak health system. Only 51 percent of health facilities are fully functional and just 40 percent of the secondary health facilities provide non-communicable disease and mental health services, as revealed by the 2021 HNO.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic further stretched out Yemen’s weary health capacity. The 2021 HNO uncovered that roughly 15 percent of the country’s functioning health system had been re-purposed to combatting the pandemic, reducing the overall health service coverage by 20 to 30 percent. Fears and stigmas, in addition to spikes in costs and delays in the supply of COVID-19 protective equipment, have dipped the number of patients seeking healthcare. \n\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for promoting health at the country level and serving the vulnerable and responding to health emergencies at the global level. As the designated Health Cluster lead agency globally and in the field, WHO is preparing and leading the coordination of health emergency and crisis interventions to meet the health needs of affected populations, alleviate suffering, and save lives.\n”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”T62Ik”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”zHfy2″,”css_classes”:”col-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:”width : 100%”,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WHO_YEMEN_JPEG-1024×545.jpg|696|1308|100025053″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:”i-center”,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”full”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”x7kym”,”css_classes”:”text-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Infographic detailing the total number of products generated by iMMAP in support of WHO and the Yemen Health Cluster“},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”KjO9U”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”F4a62″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In coordinating a response during a crisis, WHO deals with a myriad of actors, including other United Nations agencies, international and local NGOs, governments and civil society organizations. Along with these actors, the organization needs to work with multiple data sources, including its own, to ensure relevant information is utilized, shared, and accessed without difficulties. \n\nAccording to the WHO Data Principles, released in August 2020, access to reliable, timely and accurate information is critical. However, the daunting task of coordinating data and information at different levels of a large crisis, from high-level to on-ground operations, remains exhausting. Within a complex crisis such as Yemen, humanitarian actors face immense challenges with intervening effectively without data and information that are forthcoming, reliable and integrated to support practical to high-level decision making. \n”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”gaVXY”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”NLC0w”,”css_classes”:”text-bold “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Long-term agreements”,”tag”:”h3″},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”XSq6u”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”KCONT”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”WHO has been working with iMMAP to expand its information management strategy, enabling streamlined information management practices between WHO and the Health Cluster programs. Enabled by its long-term agreement (LTA) with WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), iMMAP has been assisting the WHO and the Yemen Health Cluster in approaching information management strategically, safeguarding the efficiency and sustainability of internal and external processes, technology and skills at different levels.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”X4X4D”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_quote”,”id”:”g9Ost”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”iMMAP has been working with WHO and the Health Cluster to prevent the deterioration of health situations in emergency and fragile settings. For example, in Yemen, iMMAP’s support has created a workspace with automated procedures, enabling WHO to have a faster response and meaningful impact on the most vulnerable populations. Our achievements together would not be possible without the LTA framework, which allows WHO and iMMAP to work side by side in the MENA region to provide on-demand advanced information management support.”,”style”:””,”author”:”Fridon Japardize, iMMAP’s Country Director in Yemen”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”m8mzH”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”h4d31″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In contrast to short-term support, long-term engagement yields sustainable solutions and enables iMMAP to deploy IM strategies shifting focus from a time-consuming manual data management process to automated workflows. Furthermore, manual data processing is insufficient for highly methodological frameworks, which require vast technical knowledge and internal expertise to ensure that by the time data is received in a structured and meaningful format, it hasn’t lost its value.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”0YWdt”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”J5yhC”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Together with WHO, iMMAP has conducted a holistic study of WHO’s body of health interventions in Yemen to prioritize essential activities, reassess existing health information sources to harmonize data, and create a strong correlation across WHO response and Health Cluster activities. With the adopted information management method, the combined practical steps and innovative tools have significantly reduced the time to produce information products yet maintained accuracy.\n\nFurther to its harmonization efforts, iMMAP employed datasets from other sectors to incorporate into WHO’s analytical framework. This step enhanced the overall coherence of WHO’s products and findings with overlapping issues faced by diverse sectors. By utilizing various operational datasets from other sectors merged with WHO’s operational analysis, a broader spectrum of analysis overview was enabled, rather than a standalone assortment of fragmented data and information.\n\nOver the course of their agreement, WHO and iMMAP generated and automated products related to the cholera outbreak in Yemen. These products, such as the Cholera Bulletin and a number of dashboards (Cholera Epidemiological Update, Cholera Governorate Profiles and Cholera Time Series), are updated weekly to bring involved stakeholders up to speed with the latest information and developments on the ground in Yemen.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”cV90v”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_quote”,”id”:”wWOHF”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”iMMAP’s products have been heavily used by WHO and were shared on different platforms to advocate for people’s needs and resources mobilization. “,”style”:””,”author”:”WHO representative”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”qnO1y”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”JsGRC”,”css_classes”:”col-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:”width : 100%”,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Health-cluster-Snapshot-Feb-2021-V1-EN-1024×724.jpg|1810|2560|100025010″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:”i-center”,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”full”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”iaHF1″,”css_classes”:”text-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Automated Snapshot of the Health Cluster Achievements“},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”TmkE6″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”mkK40″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In April 2020, as the rest of the world, Yemen faced the consequences of a deadly and debilitating pandemic. \nIn response, WHO and iMMAP worked to uncover the areas hardest hit by the pandemic and collected COVID-19-related data. The collected data resulted in a centralized database to support the epidemiological team with the COVID-19 response plan. \n\nAdding to noteworthy initiatives such as expanding the COVID-19 response activities and building local information management talent capacity, iMMAP’s most significant contribution has been the development of the Yemen COVID-19 Information Dashboards Catalog. The dashboard spotlights different aspects of WHO’s COVID-19 response strategy and plan, illustrating data on logistics, isolation units, risk communication and community engagement, and the number of available oxygen cylinders within classified health facilities in Yemen.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”JpyGA”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”4A4aX”,”css_classes”:”col-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:”width : 100%”,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Yemen_COVID-19-Units_2-1-1024×715.jpg|852|1220|100025039″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:”i-center”,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”full”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”3tddX”,”css_classes”:”text-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Infographic pinpointing the operational COVID-19 Isolation Units throughout Yemen“},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”A4rmq”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”dSdAS”,”css_classes”:”text-bold “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”iMMAP IMOs to the Health Cluster “,”tag”:”h3″},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”oSx6B”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”2qpmr”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”As part of the cluster support project, five iMMAP IMOs were seconded to the Health Cluster hubs in cities such as Sana’a, Aden, Al Hodeidah and Sa’dah to reinforce linkages within the health information management ecosystem in Yemen. The existing setup of iMMAP IMOs in the field accelerated the adoption of various health information management tools while providing crucial feedback and insights to WHO.\n\nThe synergic approach between iMMAP, WHO and the Health Cluster reinforced the harmonization of information management practices across the field, leveraging existing capacity, ensuring standardization, and sharing knowledge and best practices. “},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”3mI5u”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_quote”,”id”:”3Uizq”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”I truly appreciate the dedication to daily work, innovative thinking, and friendship, which the iMMAP team brought to the Health Cluster. iMMAP helped to better interact with partners and understand the context on the ground through simplifying complex processes through automation, rather than relying on traditional information management means. \”\nBeyond this, iMMAP’s intention to create an environment of shared vision and knowledge, together with tailored trainings, has been a valuable instrument to support knowledge transfer and sustained health response ensuring that no one is left behind.”,”style”:””,”author”:”Yemen’s Health Cluster Coordinator”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”NBNiz”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_wp_editor”,”id”:”430OX”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”editor_content”:”To learn more about iMMAP’s support to the Health Cluster in Yemen, please email info-mena@immap.org.”}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{“toolstip”:”bootstrap/js/bootstrap.popover.min.js”,”lightbox”:”jquery.magnific-popup.min.js”},”css”:{“lightbox”:”scripts/magnific-popup.css”},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-on”]},”post_type_setting”:{“settings”:{“image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WHO_YEMEN_JPEG-1024×545.jpg|696|1308|100025053″,”excerpt”:””,”extra_1″:””,”extra_2″:””,”icon”:{“icon”:””,”icon_style”:””,”icon_image”:””}}}}

The post WHO and iMMAP’s Long-Standing Partnership in Yemen Strengthens Overall Response to Health Emergencies first appeared on iMMAP Inc..

Interview with iMMAP MENA Director and internationally recognized GIS expert, Craig Von Hagen

iMMAP — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:34:01 +0000

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Craig is a certified GIS Professional and an internationally recognized expert in geographic information systems and spatial data infrastructure.”,”title_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_base”,”id”:”title-base”,”image”:””,”breadcrumbs”:true,”white”:true},”title”:”Interview with iMMAP MENA Director and internationally recognized GIS expert, Craig Von Hagen”},”section_5ZtkF”:{“component”:”hc_section”,”id”:”section_5ZtkF”,”section_width”:””,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”vertical_row”:””,”box_middle”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”section_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_nJMWv”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”ZHWrS”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Craig_Interview_1-1024×626.jpg|3035|4964|100011677″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”b52Oj”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_LmSSg”,”column_width”:”col-md-3″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_ii8Q6″,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”aCCWd”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_rdlhA”,”column_width”:”col-md-5″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_pt_post_informations”,”id”:”a4yht”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”post_type_slug”:””,”position”:”left”,”date”:true,”categories”:false,”author”:true,”share”:true}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_trLbT”,”column_width”:”col-md-4″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_social_share_buttons”,”id”:”3SE2w”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”type”:”circle_tt”,”position”:”right”,”link_type”:”share”,”text”:”Share”,”social_colors”:false,”fb”:true,”fb_link”:””,”tw”:true,”tw_link”:””,”g+”:true,”g+_link”:””,”li”:true,”li_link”:””}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_SunVe”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”lAej5″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”Bnxsa”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”How did you get yourself involved in the world of GIS and information management? \n\nMy first exposure to GIS was at university, where I studied Geography. GIS was a new field back then and being able to layer datasets to gain a new view or perspective of what was happening on the ground was especially attractive to me. With Geography being a multidisciplinary subject, GIS gives us the tools that allow us to view our multi-dimensional world in one place. But what really hooked me into the world of GIS was my first trip to the field in South Africa. Armed with a GPS to gather data points and then injecting that same data onto any random map cemented my captivation and fascination with that world. \n\nHow have data and information management evolved over the years, particularly since you made your first dive into the field?\n\nSoftware tools have become easier and easier to use and access. Anybody with access to the internet can learn data gathering and make that data accessible to others. There is so much data and an abundance of tools out there. The landscape continuously changes, so it’s a challenge to keep up. \n\nInformation management, specifically processing data and turning it into useful information, is the core of iMMAP’s work. Can you tell us about the process of information management in the humanitarian context?\n\nIn an emergency setting, understanding who needs help, where is help needed and what is urgently needed requires reliable data. This is where the practice of information management is brought in. Having the right system in place and enabling this system to gather, process and share reliable data and information to help humanitarian actors coordinate better to deliver assistance is crucial in any humanitarian operation.\n\nAlthough traditionally speaking, IM [information management] in the humanitarian context was an afterthought. We had this old saying, ‘the last thing you think of and the first thing you need, a map,’ was true.\n\nIn the past, when an emergency was declared, agencies responded with sector experts, program managers and coordination roles who then had the burden of trying to collect data in a variety of ways to ensure aid is getting to underserved populations while also trying to perform their core tasks. Having the right IM expertise to be able to take away this burden and streamline the data collection response to what sector experts need is crucial in serving the needs of beneficiaries. This is where iMMAP fits in, to try and fill this need. \n\nWhat are the most common challenges iMMAP faces in assisting partners? How is iMMAP helping its partners solve such challenges?\n\nThe most common challenge in most contexts is access to the field. Often, areas are dangerous from a security point of view, or completely cut-off during a conflict or natural disaster. Being able to still answer questions about beneficiaries without having access to them is a challenge we all face. There is still a lot of data that can be found and accessed remotely, whether it be through satellite imagery, or even through social media. The problem these days is not the amount of data that is available. It is how you harness and use that data to answer specific questions.\n\nIn a large and complex crisis like Syria, data collection can be challenging. Humanitarian actors have different data collection practices, using different tools and formats. Such results lead to data being fragmented and unfit for comparison, which prevents organizations and coordination groups from utilizing resources effectively to reach those who need help urgently. We help our partners develop a cohesive data set by harmonizing data standards. \n”},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”bk4BR”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Craig_Interview_2-1024×626.jpg|3035|4964|100011673″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”CLiIX”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”With the situation in Syria altering and evolving, in what ways can iMMAP play a vital role in the latest phase of the Syrian crisis?\n\nHumanitarian contexts always evolve from emergency-life-saving response to a more measured and early-recovery and development intervention. Data collected can be used for different things — it is just a matter of knowing what questions the responder wants to answer. Data sharing is key as well as there have been many examples of data that has been collected to answer a very specific question, and then that data never gets seen again. iMMAP can facilitate this data-sharing process as well as assist in understanding context. We have a team of field specialists, including research analysts and sector experts who are working with UN agencies and NGOs to understand how the context in Syria is evolving and the dynamics that are at play within these contexts. These involve support to monitoring population movements, food security, profiling of urban areas and understanding market systems, to name a few. \n\nThe international community is more and more being drawn to the crisis in Yemen. What is iMMAP’s role in assisting partners respond to the crisis in Yemen?\n\nSimilar to our response in Syria, our focus remains deploying information management services. We have been supporting the Humanitarian Program Cycle and sectors involved in life-saving operations, specifically the health sector due to concerns on acute malnutrition and the spread of cholera, diphtheria and measles. We’ve also had the opportunity of working with our partners on developing a notification system that contributes to the safety of humanitarian workers in the field. These are just a few but a lot has been going on in the background to support coordination work.\n\nHow has information management aided those responding to the crisis in Syria and Yemen?\n\nIM is always something that happens in the background, so it’s very difficult to quantify the impact of better IM practices, specifically when we’re talking about environments that evolve constantly due to conflict. The goal is to gather data and help agencies reach their beneficiaries with the least amount of resources while ensuring a wider geographic coverage for service delivery. This can be as straightforward as converting a paper-based questionnaire to digital form, which helps minimize the cost of capturing data, eliminates errors in the data collection process, and reduces the time taken to turn raw data into something tangible and useful like maps, dashboards and reports. \n\nWithin iMMAP, we’ve developed a significant number of products over the years to help humanitarian actors carry out life-saving assistance. Since 2017, we’ve delivered more than 3,000 information management products, including more than 1,700 maps and even trained almost 1,000 humanitarian actors in information management. \n”}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_Ojoeu”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”1o9Bi”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”RubN0″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Craig_Interview_3-1024×626.jpg|3035|4964|100011675″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:””,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”KtmOd”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Steering away from information management, you’re considered an internationally-recognized GIS expert. How did you obtain this distinction?\n\nFirst and foremost, I consider myself a Geographer. GIS is just one of the tools that a Geographer uses to answer questions about the real world. Saying that, GIS and maps for me, are the key elements that bring everything together. Maps simplify reality so that we, as humans, can try to understand the complex interplays and relationships that make up the real world.\n\nThe distinction itself is a difficult one to answer – certification internationally of an ‘expert’ in the field is still developing, however, South Africa has a certification process that I have obtained via the Geo-Information Society of South Africa (GISSA). With the paper in hand, experience gained in multiple contexts around the world, and recognition from peers help define an ‘expert.’ Although I am uncomfortable with the term as there is a constant learning process that one needs to adapt to keep abreast of new technologies and tools. An expert 20 years ago, does not mean you are one today.\n\nWhat tips do you have for those looking to delve into the world of data and information management? What advice do you have for the next generation? \n\nGet out there and explore! The only way you can help others in a response is to understand what works in the middle of nowhere. If you know that, you can help in your small way. As the English writer, J.R.R. Tolkien, once said, ‘Little by little, one travels far.’\n\nTo know more about iMMAP’s work in the MENA region, download the iMMAP MENA brochure or email info-mena@immap.org.\n\n”}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{“lightbox”:”jquery.magnific-popup.min.js”,”toolstip”:”bootstrap/js/bootstrap.popover.min.js”},”css”:{“lightbox”:”scripts/magnific-popup.css”},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-on”]},”post_type_setting”:{“settings”:{“image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Craig_7741-1024×546.jpg|682|1280|100011713″,”excerpt”:””,”extra_1″:””,”extra_2″:””,”icon”:{“icon”:””,”icon_style”:””,”icon_image”:””}}}}

The post Interview with iMMAP MENA Director and internationally recognized GIS expert, Craig Von Hagen first appeared on iMMAP Inc..

Finding a home at iMMAP, Ebrahim finds ways to help fellow Yemenis amidst harsh conditions

iMMAP — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:31:43 +0000

{“main-title”:{“component”:”hc_title”,”id”:”main-title”,”subtitle”:”Struggling to find work in war-torn Yemen, Ebrahim Al-Towayti found a lifeline as an Information Management Officer (IMO) at iMMAP. Within a short period, Ebrahim has developed tools that serve fellow Yemenis, and even Syrians.”,”title_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_base”,”id”:”title-base”,”image”:””,”breadcrumbs”:true,”white”:true},”title”:”Finding a home at iMMAP, Ebrahim finds ways to help fellow Yemenis amidst harsh conditions”},”section_5ZtkF”:{“component”:”hc_section”,”id”:”section_5ZtkF”,”section_width”:””,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”vertical_row”:””,”box_middle”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”section_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_nJMWv”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”Bnxsa”,”css_classes”:”text-bold “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”\n”}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_LmSSg”,”column_width”:”col-md-3″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_rdlhA”,”column_width”:”col-md-5″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_pt_post_informations”,”id”:”a4yht”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”post_type_slug”:””,”position”:”left”,”date”:true,”categories”:false,”author”:true,”share”:true}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_trLbT”,”column_width”:”col-md-4″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_social_share_buttons”,”id”:”3SE2w”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”type”:”circle_tt”,”position”:”right”,”link_type”:”share”,”text”:”Share”,”social_colors”:false,”fb”:true,”fb_link”:””,”tw”:true,”tw_link”:””,”g+”:true,”g+_link”:””,”li”:true,”li_link”:””}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_SunVe”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”y7VAM”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”ZHWrS”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AlTowayti-Success-Story-pic-1-cropped-e1551978537796-1024×687.jpg|687|1025|100009855″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:”Ebrahim Al-Towayti at the OCHA office in Yemen”,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”kdR95″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”G9X5R”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”“I have tried, like many of my colleagues, to apply for a job outside Yemen. However, it is almost impossible for a Yemeni citizen to be accepted, not due to a lack of experience or qualifications, but simply hailing from a country embroiled in war.”\n\nWar has been an ongoing cruel reality for many Yemenis like Ebrahim since 2015. According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the war has left over 22 million Yemenis in need of humanitarian or protection assistance, over 8 million at risk of starvation, and 16 million with a lack of access to safe water and sanitation. \n\nDespite the early struggles, Ebrahim Al-Towayti managed to find employment as an Information Management Officer (IMO) working as part of the iMMAP team responsible for supporting emergency responders in his native Yemen. \n\nEbrahim is responsible for several tasks, including capacity building to humanitarian cluster members and leaders, facilitating mobile data collection and data management, generating statistical reports among other things. It’s a long list of crucial tasks for any individual, but for someone living and stationed in Yemen – it’s even more challenging. \n\n“The internet would go down and we’d struggle to keep the electricity up, so I’d be forced to stay at the office till 7 or 8 pm,” recalls Ebrahim. “Another issue is that we receive many requests on data analysis or map production.”\n\n”},{“component”:”hc_quote”,”id”:”9nbIp”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Collecting and processing data in an accurate way with high-level analysis leads to producing very informative products. This, in turn, provides a clear sight to clusters and organizations to mobilize their efforts to target the population that is the most in need of aid.”,”style”:””,”author”:”Ebrahim Al-Towayti”},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”F9qGT”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:””,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:”A visual graphic highlighting what Ebrahim’s automation tool automates. “,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:”IDP Settlement – ©OCHA/Giles Clarke”,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”wWFTN”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”0oyrg”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In spite of the obstacles, Ebrahim managed to create several important products in over two years. One is an automation tool that processes a number of steps with great ease and with little intervention from a staff member to deliver an information product. \nThe automation tool significantly reduces production time of lengthy tasks such as map generation and data analysis and avoids human errors, which are all critical in emergency contexts. \n”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”cps7a”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_image_box”,”id”:”5ZtkF”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Automation-Tool-visual-graphic-1024×715.jpg|2431|3480|100009846″,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:”A visual graphic highlighting what Ebrahim’s automation tool automates. “,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:””,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false,”icon”:””,”style”:””,”icon_position”:””,”image_animation”:””,”icon_animation”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”,”icon_hidden”:true,”img_box_inner_caption”:true,”caption_img_box”:”Automation tool visual graphic”,”alt”:””},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”U4whX”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”pD4k4″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”“Collecting and processing data in an accurate way with high-level analysis leads to producing very informative products,” asserts Ebrahim. “This, in turn, provides a clear sight to clusters and organizations to mobilize their efforts to target the population that is the most in need of aid.”\n\nEbrahim’s tools and products have proven so effective that even the iMMAP team involved in Syria are looking to adopt the tool. With the automation tool, the Syria team will manage to integrate data management tools with current data collection forms for dynamic dashboard templates among other information products.\n\nLiving in the middle of a war, surrounded by devastation and division, Ebrahim has delivered and continues to deliver valuable products and tools. He is an embodiment of resoluteness and determination that has long resonated with people mired in cruel and harsh realities. \n\nIn Yemen, iMMAP provides information management and coordination assistance to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), cluster/sector leads, NGOs, and United Nations agencies. iMMAP’s support includes building the information management capacity of humanitarian actors, the provisions of short-term secondments, standardization of information management tools and processes and the development of a web-based reporting platform. The team has produced 1500 maps since 2016.“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_4bY3N”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_bJnZw”,”column_width”:”col-md-9″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{“toolstip”:”bootstrap/js/bootstrap.popover.min.js”,”lightbox”:”jquery.magnific-popup.min.js”},”css”:{“lightbox”:”scripts/magnific-popup.css”},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-on”]},”post_type_setting”:{“settings”:{“image”:”https://immap.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AlTowayti-Success-Story-pic-1-cropped-featured-image-1024×545.jpg|546|1025|100010038″,”excerpt”:””,”extra_1″:””,”extra_2″:””,”icon”:{“icon”:””,”icon_style”:””,”icon_image”:””}}}}
The post Finding a home at iMMAP, Ebrahim finds ways to help fellow Yemenis amidst harsh conditions first appeared on iMMAP Inc..