This Quick Impact Survey is part of ACAPS’ efforts to better understand the current COVID-19 crisis and its impact on current humanitarian operations. It was sent to humanitarian organisations worldwide and conducted over four days.

Key findings

• Measures imposed by governments or taken by organisations to protect staff and the recipients of their services have not stopped operations. While operations are affected almost everywhere, they largely continue.
• Important adaptations have become necessary to ensure continuation of business and adjust to the new situation. Respondents report a shift in focus of their operations, as well as in the way they function.
• There is a backlash against the staff of humanitarian organisations in some countries. Considering that we are only seeing the start of the pandemic in many countries, there is a risk the backlash may intensify.
• Two lessons learned from previous epidemic responseswere identified, which may be beneficial in the COVID-19 response:
  • The role of community engagement is essential for a successful response
  • The risks of reallocating resources, particularly to other activities in the health sector