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Monitoring and gap analysis reports must not only be communicated to OCHA and UNICEF, but also reach all relevant humanitarian actors. Due to the large amount of information circulated in modern emergencies response, dissemination channel and format must be carefully chosen so it reaches its target without overloading partners with information.
Websites
Depending on the type of emergency, an operational website can be hosted by OCHA or UNHCR, or both. The IMO should be given rights to manage the WASH Cluster page on the OCHA (https://humanitarianresponse.info) site. In addition, the IMO should work closely with the UNHCR IMO to upload information on the UNHCR site if applicable for that situation (http://data.unhcr.org). In some contexts, alternate platforms may exist (governmental, pre-existing, etc.).
In all situations a basic minimum operational information (contacts, meetings, strategy, standards, assessments, progress reports, etc.) should be available and regularly updated, and the site should be widely promoted e.g. link in email signatures, etc.
Translation Services
During emergencies it may be necessary to create IEC material or other publications in local languages and dialects. Translating personnel can be hired locally or via an organisation such as Translators Without Borders. Assess translation needs: is a technical translation needed or will hiring local translators fulfil the needs at the time?
See WASH Operational website section in Information Management chapter.
Social Media
Many organisations are using social media as part of their overall dissemination strategy but social media tools can also . Social media such as twitter can be very useful in emergency situations. Ask partners what they are using during the emergency, for instance a local twitter account may be a very useful way to disseminate emergency information.
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SMS
In some emergency situations where connection is limited, SMS may be the best way to share data, both in sending information and receiving information. There are many service providers specifically targeting humanitarian situations. Consult on best practice with colleagues, many responders have experience in using SMS in countries prone to disasters. Beware of hidden costs.
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It is often necessary to share links to various websites or document repository. The links may be long and seemingly unrelated to the location that the link points toonot easy to managed. Use a URL shortener to create a shorter link to completed web addressed.
QR Codes
A QR code is a type of barcode which can be used to direct people to key information. The end-user needs a device (smart phone or tablet) with a camera. QR codes can be used to share assessments which have been uploaded, share maps, latest statistics, latest contact lists, GPS locations, vCards/business cards and WiFi codes. They can be added to name badges at major meetings so that people can instantly scan contacts to their phones. At a Cluster meeting a sheet of paper with QR codes can be shared with links to all the relevant new WASH material online. The end-user does not need to be online to scan a card; they can de-code it at a later date.
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for instance, in first phase emergency, you display a short URL on a white board during a cluster meeting that partners can copy on their notebook and use back in the office to download documents.