EDMG505Wk6

The United Nations System (Continued) The World Food Programme (WFP) In rapid onset events such as natural disasters, WFP is activated, as a major player in the response to the immediate nutritional needs of the victims. Food is transported to the affected location and delivered to storage and distribution centers. The distribution is carried out according to pre-established needs-assessments performed by OCHA and UNDP. WFP distributes food through contracted NGOs who have vast experience and technical skills required to plan and implement such projects of transportation, storage and distribution. The principal partners in their planning and implementation are the host governments (who must request the aid of WFP to begin with, unless the situation is a complex humanitarian emergency where there is no established government, and the UN Secretary General makes the request). WFP works closely with all responding UN agencies to coordinate an effective and broad reaching response, as food requirements are so closely linked to every other vital need of victims.

The World Health Organization In the event of a disaster, WHO responds in several ways that address the health of victims. Most importantly, it provides ongoing monitoring of diseases traditionally observed within the unsanitary conditions of disaster aftermath. WHO also provides technical assistance to the responding agencies and host governments who are establishing disaster medical capabilities, and serves as constant source of expertise as needs arise.