Humanitarian assistance

Humanitarian assistance (HA) is “the aid and actions designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and protect human dignity.” HA is also part of many countries’ international diplomacy policies. “Health” HA is a major, and growing, part of US international diplomacy.

What Is International Health Diplomacy?
“Diplomacy” is “influencing the actions required to create a stable and sustainable society.” Pillars of diplomacy include an unbiased press, a basic education system, a stable central government, and a safe environment with adequate food, water, power, sanitation, and basic health care. Unfortunately, the developing world remains a difficult environment in which to perform HA. Our international responses remain fragmented, stove-piped, and fraught with political, personal. and institutional biases. Such an atmosphere makes it difficult for the altruistic health-care worker to negotiate.

In 2005, the Department of Defense (DOD) received a requirement to engage in HA in the world community, creating an environment where both civilian and military health-care workers serve side-by-side in these needy countries. Some collaborations have begun, and, in many cases, these partnerships are viable. In other situations, relationships are strained due to mistrust, misunderstanding, and poor communication. There are many opportunities to participate in HA. However, to be effective and to better understand what types of HA the United States is engaged in requires some scrutiny and information. The wellmeaning who want to participate need to get appropriate information to make informed decisions about how best to be involved.

The Disaster Response NetWork is composed of individuals representing agencies and organizations involved in HA, including the Department of Defense, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, and US government agencies. The Disaster Response NetWork is available to assist those interested in getting involved in HA opportunities and to help individuals make appropriate choices for participation. Contact Jennifer Nemkovich at networks@chestnet.org for more information.

CAPT Dennis Amundson, MC, USN, FCCP
NetWork Chair