Page Comparison

Overview

A response to an infectious disease event might seem unique however the process of information management should remain the same with some possible exceptions:

• Planning - more time might be necessary to fully understand the types of data and sources of data that decision-makers will need. Historically, WHO takes the lead in these situations, be sure to check with them before starting to plan.
• Collection - the process of data collection might have health-related issues to take into considerations such as the use of mobile devices (how to disinfect). 
• Processing - probably not much change but those with health data experience might be needed to identify possible data errors.
• Analysis - subject matter experts are critical!
• Dissemination - use subject matter experts in the design of products and key messages.
• Feedback -

Recommendations

• Focus on core products and IM processes as in any emergency: Contact management, 3Ws, Meeting schedules, reference maps, etc.

• Ensure that relevant partners are attending your IMWG.

• Consider the process for clearance and sharing of products (a product catalogue and editorial meetings are always useful).

• Staffing: manage leave plans and ensure all staff know what their priorities and deadlines are
• As for any possible emergency, data preparedness is key. Make sure your CODs are in order and available on HDX. CODs specific to the event could include:
  • Health facilities (enquire with the Health cluster or WHO Office whether a HeRAMS is in place or being triggered)
  • Health boundaries
  • Insecure areas
  • Refugee and IDP (numbers and movement)
  • Transport routes
  • Airports (including movement of people - flight paths)
  • Borders and crossing points
• Use existing structures and platforms, if at all possible, such as HDX, HR.info, ReliefWeb, H.id.  There might be a push to try new systems but, as always, an emergency is not the time to try out new software or systems.
• Many new actors might show up to provide assistance and support, be flexible to take advantage of new opportunities but don't drastically change the approach to IM as conducted in a "regular" emergency
• Data that OCHA IMOs normally do not have experience with could be critical especially epidemiological data, reach out to subject matter experts to help analyze and present the data. 
• Consider doing a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify data sources and information flows.

General IM Resources 

• Public Health Information Services (PHIS) Toolkit

Outputs/Resources from the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific during COVID-19 in 2020 

• The Office sent a survey (using Google Forms) to its usual Regional humanitarian partner list.  The survey tracks which agencies are doing (or could be doing) which of the nine response activities from the WHO Global response plan, in which countries. The resulting info graphic from this information is on ReliefWeb.
• 4W entry form of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities and its resulting dashboard (work in progress)

Outputs/Resources from Ebola Response in 2014

• MONUSCO_EbolaTracking_FactSheet_V2_20140915.pdf
• Ebola - Key online resources - 2014.pdf
• Ebola Virus Outbreak Response - IM Data Flow - Draft 2014 09 26.docx
• Fighting Ebola with Information - Learning from the Use of Data, Information, and Digital Technologies
  in the West Africa Ebola Outbreak Response

Outputs/Resources from Ebola Response in 2018-2020

• DRC Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Response IM and Operational Monitoring Strategy 2019