Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics 2023: International Medical Corps

Interview
New global changes
David Alarcon, Vice President Corporate Finance at International Medical Corps
What do you see as the biggest challenges
facing humanitarian organizations?
David Alarcon: The biggest issues for
humanitarian organizations include
new global challenges such as the food
crisis, economic instability, extreme
poverty, urbanization, water scarcity
and energy security. In addition, there
is population growth and the impact
of climate change. Another challenge
is the potential for highly contagious
local public hazards and epidemics to
develop into pandemics.
What role does politics play in the projects?
Humanitarian work has become more
dangerous. And more people are suffering
because aid is not reaching them. There
are other barriers to access, including
sanctions-driven export regulations that
also contribute to limiting or delaying access
to vulnerable populations. Another
challenge is bridging the gap between
emergency aid and development assistance.
The latter is about longer-term
support that strengthens the self-reliance
of those in need.
What role does Climate change play?
It is literally bringing entire new regions
to the brink. Extreme weather events can
also lead to mass displacement, as people
migrate in search of new sources of food
and water, or safer living conditions.
Many humanitarian organizations are
setting up refugee camps. How good is
this aid?
The conditions in the refugee camps are
not always good. This growing need is
forcing humanitarian organizations to
stretch their already scarce resources even
further or make the difficult decision to
cut some programs to better help others.
This leaves vulnerable people without basic
lifesaving services. Because the challenges
humanitarian organizations face every day
are complex and interrelated, efficiency
and effectiveness are paramount. This is
where a system like PIMS can make all
the difference.
What needs to change?
Although many organizations have established
sound processes for procuring and
managing material resources, accurately
assessing needs and avoiding losses in the
last mile of the supply chain remains a major
challenge in an uncertain and changing
environment. A few improvements that
would advance humanitarian logistics
might include: a more adaptable supply
chain, better preparedness and stronger
partnerships with local organizations,
community support systems and other
actors in humanitarian crisis response.
What risks cannot be influenced by
stronger partnerships?
External supply-chain risks include
damaged transport routes, disrupted
markets, lack of warehouses, and a lot
more. With so many factors beyond the
control of organizations, it is critical to
build an adaptable supply chain that is
less vulnerable to unforeseen challenges.
Is good preparation crucial for the success
of projects?
Yes, preparation time is another area
that can be improved. In the run-up
to disaster operations, it is essential to
invest more time in building key partnerships
at the national and local levels.
Finally, building the capacity of national
and local organizations, and of local
communities, for effective supply-chain
management will help international
aid organizations rely on local staff in
countries of operation.
Why can’t SCM methods and solutions
from the commercial sector be transferred
to the humanitarian sector?
Best business practices from the commercial
sector cannot always be transferred to
humanitarian logistics because humanitarian
logistics often needs to make last-mile
deliveries in locations where commercial
structures are either non-existent or very
limited. Many supply-chain management
technology solutions depend on internet
availability. Not so PIMS: it eliminates
dependency on internet connectivity and
continuous power supply. ∞
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