Myanmar (Burma) cyclone

Why humanitarian aid workers are vital

The current emergency in Myanmar (Burma) has highlighted the importance of the role of humanitarian aid workers.

When people think about emergency situations, it's usually about the actual items and equipment needed to help people immediately – from fresh water and sanitation equipment, to food, mosquito nets, soap, basic medicines and shelter.

People power

But an emergency isn’t just about the equipment  - it is also about the people. As in any other ‘industry’, the importance of trained and qualified professionals can make all the difference.

Oxfam has been responding to emergencies for more than 60 years. Today, at any one time, our global network of humanitarian professionals are responding to emergencies in more than 30 countries.

Who does what?

The roles and responsibilities needed to mount a successful relief operation are wide ranging: trained engineers who source, collect, test, purify and distribute water; health professionals with global experience in the health risks people will be facing, and with the social skills needed to work with communities; nutritionists with knowledge of what basic foods are needed by different types of people; logisticians who are trained at getting the right goods to the right place at the right time; and managers who can make fast decisions in stressful and sometimes frightening circumstances.

Local staff are also vital – their knowledge of the language and customs/culture make them invaluable partners in a good relief effort. Agencies like Oxfam specialised in these areas and our staff offer the experience, skills and knowledge that come from doing the job full-time.

Co-ordination

Emergency work needs expert co-ordination. After a large disaster, teams from many aid organisations are often operating in the same area – it is essential that they work together to ensure the widest-possible coverage with the minimum overlap, and without duplication of effort.

Water for life

Oxfam’s primary expertise is in water and sanitation. Often, after an emergency, the immediate needs of affected communities are safe drinking water and basic sanitation.  If these are not addressed very soon, the situation can claim more casualties, as disease and dehydration spread.

The international community is urging the Myanmar government to allow aid workers in, to use their considerable experience to ensure the right aid gets to the worst-affected people as quickly and efficiently as possible. Timing is critical, especially in the conditions we are seeing with inadequate shelter, hot, rainy weather, contaminated water and little food. These elements can so easily combine to cause disease.

Oxfam is working with partners already operating inside the region who have aid workers on the ground providing immediate assistance to 22,000 people. However in order to reach the people affected it is vital more access is granted for all humanitarian relief agencies who have the capacity and capabilities to respond in this situation.

• Listen: Oxfam's International Director describes her visit to the disaster zone (mp3 file: courtesy BBC Radio 5 Live)
• Oxfam's response to the Myanmar (Burma) cyclone
• Frequently asked questions about the Myanmar cyclone