Disasters — Documents


Information collection (or data collection) is vital during an epidemic, especially for purposes such as contact tracing and quarantine monitoring. However, it also poses challenges such as keeping up with the spread of the infectious disease, and the need to protect personally identifiable information. We explore some of the methods of information collection deployed in Sri Lanka and Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer policy recommendations for future pandemics.
Rohan Samarajiva and Ramathi Bandaranayake presented preliminary findings from our work on risk communication during COVID-19.
Key considerations and recommendations for public health officials in developing wearable contact tracing solutions during COVID-19
This policy brief details guidance on making decisions in a pandemic.
Disasters wreak havoc and destroy full-scale infrastructures, homes, schools, hospitals, communication systems, and disrupt access to food, clean water, electricity, and transportation. Individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected in disaster, emergency, and conflict situations due to inaccessible evacuation, response (including shelters, camps, and food distribution), and recovery efforts (Robinson, 2020; Samant Raja et al., 2013; Stough & Kang, 2015; Wolbring, 2009).  The primary focus of this study was reviewing literature on PWD and DiDRR (Disability inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction) specifically involving Asian countries to find gaps in inclusive crisis communication Additionally, the study explored other relevant literature all of which is discussed in the literature review. Thereafter, the method involved synthesizing the findings to propose a conceptual architecture for ICT-enabled assistive technology in support PWDs facing crisis situations.

Voting in a pandemic

Posted on April 8, 2020  /  0 Comments

This short note allows for easy comparison of the options available to policy makers considering the introduction of remote voting in the context of the current pandemic conditions. 
This tour d’horizon examines the possible of uses of data to help stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 directly.  It gives weight to what can be done in the short term.
Presented by Nuwan Waidyanatha at the Subregional workshop on implementation of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Pacific island countries. 20 November 2018, Nadi, Thailand
Presented by Nuwan Waidyanatha at the Subregional workshop on implementation of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Pacific island countries. 20 November 2018, Nadi, Thailand
Presented by Nuwan Waidyanatha at Subregional workshop on implementation of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Pacific island countries on 20 November 2018, in Nadi, Thailand
Presentation on e-Resilience in support of Emergency Communications: Contingencies; – 2nd session of the AP-IS steering committee and WSIS regional review meeting held 27th & 28th September 2018, UN Conference Center in Thailand. The event was a precursor to the Committee on Information and Communications Technology & Science, Technology and Innovation, Second session.
Rohan Samarajiva Sarvodaya Fusion, Ministry of Disaster Management & UNDP 19 February 2018