Capability, Capacity and Character of Medical Humanitarian Relief Organizations

Authors

William D. Thompson III, DMSc ProgramFollow

Specialty

Operational Medicine

Advisor

Thomas Colletti DMSc, PA-C

Abstract

There are numerous Medical Humanitarian Relief Organizations (MHRO) around the globe that respond to support the medical aspects of humanitarian crises that affect society. Medical planners must understand three key elements when planning on utilizing a disaster relief organization. These three key elements are Capability, Capacity and Character. There have been many instances globally where a non-governmental agency has had difficulty in responding to a disaster because of a shortfall in one of these key areas. The development of a standardized framework that addresses these three elements will allow for vetting and evaluation of these organizations, a process that is crucial to the successful utilization of these resources in response to a humanitarian crisis. Further research is needed to establish elemental criteria in these three areas to give medical planners a useful tool in planning for and responding to disasters around the globe.

Recommended Citation

Thompson WD. Capability, Capacity and Character of Medical Humanitarian Relief Organizations. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(1).