This World Humanitarian Day, Gashaw Bekele, Senior Information Management Officer (IMO) and Head of the Humanitarian Information Support Team (HIST) in Ethiopia, shares his valuable insights on how Information Management and data can advance humanitarian action and support decision-makers and leaders to #ActForHumanity.
An Information Management Officer’s Perspective: “On World Humanitarian Day, I urge everyone to embrace the power of collective action and compassion.”
A portrait of Gashaw Bekele, Senior Information Management Officer (IMO), Head of the Humanitarian Information Support Team (HIST) in Ethiopia. Photo: iMMAP Inc./ Sena Getahun 2024
How can data and information support humanitarian action?
Gashaw: Data and information play a crucial role in supporting humanitarian action by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of aid efforts. By leveraging up to date data on factors such as displaced people, resource needs, and climatic conditions, humanitarian organizations can make informed decisions, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources more effectively.
For instance, detailed data on food insecurity and health metrics can guide targeted relief efforts, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations. Additionally, mapping and analyzing data on infrastructure and logistics can streamline the delivery of supplies and services, ultimately improving the impact and timeliness of humanitarian responses.
How can data support decision makers and those in power to act for humanity?
Gashaw: Data supports decision-makers and those in power by providing a clear, evidence-based foundation for informed action. By analyzing comprehensive and accurate data, leaders can identify key issues, understand the scope of problems, and assess the effectiveness of various interventions. This enables them to make strategic, well-informed decisions that address critical needs and allocate resources efficiently. For instance, data on public health trends can guide policy development, while socio-economic data can inform targeted support programs.
Ultimately, data-driven insights help ensure that actions are timely, relevant, and impactful, fostering more effective responses to humanitarian challenges.
On World Humanitarian Day, under the theme #ActForHumanity - what is a call to action would you like to share?
On World Humanitarian Day, I urge everyone to embrace the power of collective action and compassion. Through uniting our efforts and focusing on the most vulnerable, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that our humanitarian values are reflected in every decision and initiative. Let's act with empathy and purpose, transforming our commitment into tangible support for those who need it most.
To improve the agility and efficiency of IM support to humanitarian stakeholders in Ethiopia, iMMAP Inc., in close collaboration with OCHA, established the Humanitarian Information Support Team (HIST) in May 2023. Gashaw is one of the senior members of the HIST, who works to provide timely and customized support to partners, through a service desk. This initiative is generously supported by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).