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| Stakeholders & establishing a casualty information system |
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| While assembling the elements of an effective landmine/ERW casualty information system can be a challenge – determining the data fields, designing the data collection form and data collection methods, building the database, setting up data entry and verification processes, etc. – building the necessary cooperation and communication among stakeholders can be an even greater challenge. However, the long-term success of the information system depends on getting all the key stakeholders to buy into the system. |
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A recently established mine action program can greatly benefit from taking the time early in its existence to meet with individual stakeholders or small groups of stakeholders to listen to their casualty data requirements and discuss with them the benefits of sharing data and establishing a nation-wide casualty data system. Uganda provides an example of a country where mine action staff are making the effort to meet with representatives of relevant government ministries, NGOs and survivors groups to build the connections and support needed to create a viable information system. The casualty information system, based on the new version 4 of IMSMA, is still in its infancy but crucial support for its effective operation is slowly being established.
Even a more mature mine action program can benefit from taking the time later on to bolster communication and cooperation among its stakeholders. In Bosnia & Herzegovina, the BHMAC now is in the process of creating a better integrated nation-wide casualty information system. In order to do this, it has been meeting with representatives of NGOs and government ministries to reach agreement on a common data collection form and the protocol for data sharing. As in the case of Uganda, this has taken considerable time and effort but promises to yield positive results in establishing a viable and sustainable landmine/ERW casualty information system.
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