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| Establishing an effective casualty information system |
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| The collection, management and analysis of landmine/ERW casualty data has proven to be a significant challenge for most mine-affected countries. With the development of IMSMA and the LIS process, many countries have created casualty databases but are often challenged to use that data productively in planning for mine action activities. Landmine/ERW casualty data can be used for a number of different purposes within a national mine action program, depending on who will be using it and which questions they want to have answered. Lots of different types of casualty data can be collected, but only data that is of specific use to some component of the mine action program (mine clearance, mine risk education, mine victim assistance, and advocacy) should be collected and stored. As early as possible in the development of a landmine/ERW casualty information system, the following steps should be taken to promote the development of an effective system. |
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1. Before launching a casualty data collection effort, it is best to identify the stakeholders involved – the various departments within a mine action center, the relevant government ministries, the survivor assistance rehabilitation services providers, organizations of landmine survivors and other persons with disabilities, mine/ERW-affected communities, and financial donors – and their potential needs for casualty data (what questions do they want to have answered?).
2. It is also essential to designate a casualty data focal point – a mine action organization, governmental ministry or non-governmental agency that will have the authority to coordinate the casualty data collection effort, manage the data, oversee its dissemination to other entities, and monitor the functioning of the data system. Effective coordination and management of casualty data will help prevent duplication of efforts, ensure that the data collected is reliable and usable by those who need the data, and that the data is protected and yet accessible to the relevant stakeholders.
3. The focal point and the stakeholders should meet to develop a standard or protocol for the collection, management and dissemination of landmine/ERW casualty data. A mechanism should be developed to allow for continued communication among stakeholders on casualty data matters.
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