Q&A: Capacity building, Logistics software, Irrigation advice, Ambulances, HIV initiatives, Emergency strategies

Topics included:

• Monitoring capacity building
• Software for logistics
• Irrigation in mountainous areas
• Low-cost ambulances
• HIV workplace initiatives
• Emergency preparedness and response strategies
• Preventing a vehicle roll-over

Can you offer any insights or pointers to useful information/contacts on these topics? Thank you.

Responses to the previous questions are summarised below. Please continue the discussions online at Aid Workers Forum or e-mail exchange@aidworkers.net.

New Questions

MONITORING CAPACITY BUILDING

Donna Loveridge asks, "How do you monitor and evaluate capacity building?" Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

SOFTWARE FOR LOGISTICS

David Semerian asks, "Which software can help in logistics work?" Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

IRRIGATION IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS

Sylvain is looking for information on constructing an irrigation canal in a mountainous area with little equipment. Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

VEHICLE MANAGEMENT:

Aid Workers Network and Fritz Institute are compiling good practice resources for field logisticians and other staff responsible for vehicle management. Topics will include planning, procurement, operations, maintenance, driving, and fuel. There will also be a resource-bank with sample forms, job descriptions etc. What points would you like to be covered? Can you recommend any books, websites or training courses? Email logistics@aidworkers.net with your suggestions and watch out for more information about this project coming soon.

Responses

LOW-COST AMBULANCES

Joseph has used converted vehicles as ambulances. Pramod has experience of providing weather-resistant bicycle ambulances to rural communities in Nepal. Niki designed and introduced a bicycle ambulance in Salima District, Malawi, using Design for Developing Countries principles. Matthew mentions two types of motorized rural ambulances, the Uhuru, a multipurpose motorcycle-sidecar ambulance, and the long-wheelbase Maruti Jeep. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

HIV WORKPLACE INITIATIVES

Jo-Anne describes how NECTOI, an industry association, brought Zimbabwe trucking company owners and drivers together about 3 years ago. They found that an HIV prevention program costs less than losing drivers. Rita provides some contacts from Project Support Group who are implementing sex-worker, mobile-population, and uniformed-services projects in Southern Africa. Margaret views education as the most important component in an initiative. Julie tells us that Cambodian Red Cross has a peer education program for uniformed services, and FHI-Impact Cambodia works with the Cambodian military and police. Kate provides a link to "Working Positively," a new good practice guide by the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES

Chris outlines the key elements for a disaster management plan and offers to share a 12-page document. Bryan condenses his emergency management course for us: Get all stakeholders' input; arrange a workshop to share experiences about emergency preparedness; set up a district committee; and draft a contingency plan. Isabel mentions "Preparing for Disaster" from TearFund. Gang warns not to forget to track finances in an emergency. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

PREVENTING A VEHICLE ROLL-OVER

Jaco has a few points to add to Mick's: Don't speed or overload the vehicle's roof. Use 4-wheel drive only when conditions require it. Mick amplifies on when to use 4-wheel drive: only on unsealed road surfaces. Joseph urges securing everything inside (including people). John learned the value of an instruction course. Paul has some rules: If something is dangerous, say so. Prefer vehicles with rollover bars. Carry water in case you're stranded. Have first aid supplies and know how to use them. Recognise that driving is dangerous. Jeremie recommends a website with car maintenance manuals. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum.

Aid Workers Exchange 17-DEC-03 ISSN 1478-5137