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The Humanitarian Lives Saved Tool: An evidence-based approach for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health program planning in humanitarian settings

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: A shared understanding of key priorities and the path forward is critical to improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) in humanitarian emergencies.Stakeholders, including local governments, multilateral, United Nations (UN) agencies, and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, must plan and implement coherent programs to reduce disease burden while working with available financial resources.However, tools to support evidence-based decision making in the challenging context of humanitarian crises are lacking; the paucity of research conducted in a complex humanitarian setting poses additional constraints [1].The Humanitarian Lives Saved Tool approach (H-LiST) responds to this need, drawing upon humanitarian health, evaluation, costing and modeling principles and evidence about effectiveness of RMNCH interventions from the existing Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model.Here, we present the conceptual framework (Figure 1), experiences implementing with in-country partners, and strengths and limitations of the current H-LiST approach.We then discuss gaps and next steps for refining and improving this accessible technical resource. THE HUMANITARIAN LIVES SAVED TOOL APPROACH (H-LIST)Through a seven-step process, the H-LiST approach prompts users to enter key inputs in a guided sequence to ultimately determine which intervention(s) can save the most lives based on current conditions.The rationale for creating the H-LiST platform centered around increasing calls for health-related conflict or disaster responses to adhere to evidence-based principles [2], although evidence about particular interventions in humanitarian crises remains sparse [3].The H-LiST approach represents a process-driven strategy of knowledge brokering that relies upon consultation and collaboration to engage and build consensus across sectors and actors.

Source: Journal of Global Health

DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.03102

Authors: Victoria B Chou, Angela Stegmuller, Kelsey Vaughan, Paul B Spiegel

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Global Maternal and Child Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200