Initial response and key immediate needs

In many middle-income countries with substantial domestic capacity (see figure 7), the value of external assistance is increasingly seen as boosting the speed and volume of life-saving assistance provided in the early stages of the response, and augmenting national and regional capacity when affected States become overwhelmed. In the Asia-Pacific region, recent humanitarian operations have highlighted the need to realign international response in a way that supports communities, national and local authorities, and regional organizations. When humanitarian relief is delivered quickly and critical needs addressed immediately, communities are better placed to focus on restoring livelihoods and recovering from the shock.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development