LETTERS: The word "humanitarian" is one we encounter quite frequently, but is "humanitarian logistics" anywhere near as familiar to us? Although logistics is commonly associated with business supply chains, it is also vital in disaster relief operations.
This is what is referred to as humanitarian logistics. The dedicated organisation of delivering and storing supplies in areas hit by natural disasters or other localised emergency situations in order to aid the people and environments there.
Humanitarian logistics is a complex process that involves a great deal of inventory management, information sharing, forecasting and resource optimisation before the aid supplies can reach their destinations.
For almost two years now, the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the way we function as a society, forcing changes in people's daily lives worldwide.
Global governments are still fighting to reduce infection rates and flatten the curve in their respective countries. In conditions like this, humanitarian logistics is crucial in ensuring efficient deliveries of vaccines and medical supplies to locations around the world.
For instance, the mega cargo plane Antonov An-225 has been consistently employed to transport protective medical gear from China to other nations, thanks to its huge storage capacity. Malaysia has also taken the initiative in sending aid to countries in need, including medicine, food and hospital clothing and equipment.
Exceptional cooperation and collaboration are required from various parties to guarantee the smooth procurement, transportation and storage of these aid supplies. Strong coordination is also essential in the initial phase when assessing the needs of the affected community.
Several key elements must be accounted for in order to guarantee efficient humanitarian logistics.
Firstly, the warehouse or distribution centre must be carefully planned and constructed to ensure there are no wasted materials or contamination in the area. The warehouse must also be well-organised and accessible for a more efficient aid delivery process.
Secondly, information sharing and coordination between the authorities involved must be clear, defined and well-documented to avoid confusion and overlaps.
Thirdly, it is vital to choose well-trained and experienced individuals who can organise, manage and execute effectively in disaster or emergency environments.
Fourthly, is that of knowledge management, which encompasses the analysis and transfer of information gleaned from previous humanitarian logistics endeavours.
fifthly, and the most crucial factor is the gathering of sufficient finances to fund the efficient preparation and execution of the aid operation.
In Malaysia, it is the National Security Council which plans various disaster aid programmes through the government. The effectiveness of these programmes is dictated by Directive No.20, which acts as a guideline for the various participating aid agencies.
Pre- and post-disaster humanitarian efforts rely heavily on the efficiency of logistical processes, particularly in terms of good transportation and inventory management.
The unpredictability and complications involved with humanitarian logistics calls for excellent management so that we can offer better and more helpful responses for areas and peoples in need.
PROFESSOR DR VEERA PANDIYAN KALIANI SUNDRAM
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi Mara
and president of Malaysia Logistics and Supply Chain Management
PROFESSOR DR JAAFAR PYEMAN
Director, Institute of Business Excellence,
Universiti Teknologi Mara
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times