REGIONAL ASSISTANCE STRATEGY 2000-2003
Pacific Region

Regional Delegation Suva Fiji

1. REGIONAL CONTEXT

1.1. Socio-economic and humanitarian Evaluation

The region covers a vast geographical area comprising thousands of medium sized to tiny islands. Populations are often very small such as, for instance, Vanuata with a population of 143,000. Within this region, there is a great diversity of peoples, culture and socio-economic development. Nevertheless, countries in the Pacific enjoy a relatively high HDI ranking and GDP per capita in comparison to some other developing regions in the world.. This position is now threatened by economic problems including the knock on effects of the Asian crisis of 1997. Most countries in the region are also engaged in economic reforms intended to reduce national debt, cut back on public spending and encourage private sector growth.

Many have built up large public sectors which they are now cutting back: in the early 1990s, public sector employment accounted for 70 per cent of employees in Kiribati, 69 per cent in Tuvalu, 48 per cent in Solomon Islands, and 46 per cent in Federated States of Micronesia. The reductions in health and education programmes through budget and staff cuts will necessarily worsen the conditions of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Pacific island countries have been, in per capita terms, among the highest aid recipients in the world. Yet the majority of the population on many of the islands still survive through subsistence agriculture. Commercial fishing is often a large industry along with timber, copra and palm oil.

The region is a relatively stable part of the world but it has seen conflicts in the recent past. A secessionist movement in Bouganville fought for a number of years against the Papua New Guinean government but this dispute has now been settled. This year saw the peaceful change of government in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuata.

Figures for Human Development Index for Pacific island countries, 1998

1.2. Vulnerability analysis

The Pacific island countries are economically very vulnerable. The principal reasons for this are their remoteness from world markets, their small size and domestic markets, and their dependence on exports of agricultural commodities. Fluctuations in the terms of trade can have far reaching economic effects.

Natural disasters, including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts and volcanic eruptions, constitute a significant part of the vulnerability of Pacific island countries. 11 out of 14 countries are in the high risk category for coastal flooding: 8 in the same category for drought: 8 for tsunamis. Factors that contribute to this vulnerability are the high impact that disasters have proportionate to the size of the country; the fragility of island environments; the wide distribution of communities and the remoteness of populations; and degradation of traditional coping measures. To this list can be added increasing environmental degradation and the high risk of ecological disasters.

The impact of natural disasters on Pacific island economies is evident from property losses and macro-economic indicators such as GDP growth patterns. For several years after Cyclone Uma in 1987, for example, Vanuatu had a negative growth rate of 9 per cent. In Samoa, Cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1992) caused growth rates to drop to -7.5 per cent, -27.0 per cent, and -4.3 per cent in 1990, 1991, and 1992 respectively. Similarly in Fiji, substantial declines in GDP growth have followed severe natural disasters.

There are sharp differences in health outcomes among the countries in the region. Countries like Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are characterised by moderately high infant mortality rate, high maternal mortality rate and low immunisation coverage (except Kiribati). The other group of countries like Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Cook Islands are characterised by low infant mortality rate and good access to health care services.

Deaths in the Pacific region is mainly attributed to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, accidents, cancer and malaria. Pacific island populations are shifting from having high exposure to infectious diseases to having more chronic and non-communicable diseases. This is partly due to the dramatic changes in the lifestyle. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has exceeded 8 % in some countries like Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati and Samoa. The growing number of youth suicides appears to be a new problem or just recently officially accepted fact. It is linked to the pressures young people face in transition from traditional to modern societies. At the same time teenage pregnancies are increasing in many countries.

Malaria is endemic in 3 countries (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu) and Tuberculosis cases are more than 300 newly notified cases per 100'000 in 2 countries (Kiribati, Tuvalu). Leprosy continues still to be a concern in 2 countries (Federated States of Micronesia, and Marshall Islands). Reported cases of HIV/AIDS are also increasing in whole region and high prevalence of Hepatitis B creates problems for blood collection in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, where as the Hepatitis C is also known to be a problem. Dengue fever is a problem during wet season in Pacific.

1.3. Analysis of the funding and assistance / co-operation environment.

The major regional donors in the Pacific are the Australian Government (AusAid), New Zealand Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Development Co-operation Division, for both Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness. DIFID and EU are also active in both emergencies and long term development. From the Red Cross family, the Pacific region has been previously supported by Australian, Japanese and New Zealand RC and more recently the Finnish Red Cross.

Over all the Pacific Region has suffered under funding in the last 5 years, with an average 40 per cent funding, however with better planning, programme proposals, the future out look is bright. Already discussions have been held with ASSAIL and the New Zealand Government, for mid-long term funding through Australian and New Zealand RC Leadership and initial indications have been quite positive.

2. NATIONAL SOCIETIES CONTEXT

There are 14 National Societies in the Pacific Region with 2 PNS - Australia and New Zealand - 9 ONS - Fiji, Kiribati, PNG, Palau, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu and 3 ONS, in formation, Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands and Federal State of Micronesia. With the exception of the 2 PNSs and Fiji and PNG, the National Societies have less than 5 employees. A Secretary General, for example, might also be expected to do basic programme work like First Aid or DP training in addition to his or her duties.

The majority of the National Societies run DP and relief, blood donor, Youth and first aid activities. Others have started programmes in community health, HIV/AIDS education and work with the disabled. Most National Societies in the region attended planning meetings in 1998 and 1999. These and the Hanoi regional meeting and the sub regional priorities agreed at the Nadi meeting in 1999 establish a background against which they have established their own medium term objectives.

The three priorities set by the National Societies reflect their own state of development and the country and regional contexts. The first priority focuses on internal weaknesses and aims to develop the organizational capacity of the National Societies. This will include the development of improved systems and structures but also the skills and capacity to tap into new sources of funding. Fund-raising remains a serious weakness although some National Societies that have undergone recent changes in leadership have through their motivation and quick responses to disasters raised their profile and developed new income sources.

The second priority is to develop more effective Disaster Preparedness and Response capacity. This is a region that is very vulnerable to natural disasters such as the 1998 tsunami in Aitape in PNG and Red Cross should be seen to be the regional key player in this area.

The third priority is for National Societies to provide more effective health services to communities and the most vulnerable. The development of new community based health programmes with a focus on health education is seen as a way forward for the Societies..

The implementation of these priorities requires external funding. For the period 1996-98, a number of National Societies received core-cost funding in a grant from the Australia Government, but this support has expired. In the last 4 years, the Federation and some PNS such as the New Zealand and the Japanese RC have provided bilateral and multilateral support to some Societies although this was limited. Papua New Guinea RC, (Bougainville, drought and tidal wave), Fiji RC, (cyclone, drought and floods) and Solomon Islands RC (drought and Bougainville returnees) have received some assistance in major relief operations. Nevertheless, there is a feeling of being neglected by the rest of the RC/RC family.

3 Priorities and objectives for Federation Assistance

The priorities of the Federation assistance are based on the three main priority needs of the National Societies in the region. The Regional Delegation made up of a Head of Delegation, a Health and DP Delegate will be able add value through the development of external relations and linkages with other organizations as well as the provision of technical advice and assistance to the National Societies within the region.

The two main aims of the Regional Delegation are therefore:

to develop long term partnerships and funding for the benefit of National Societies in the region as well as the Federation Regional Delegation through advocacy and networking with other organizations

Expected results: partnerships established with regionally based donor organizations and funded programme and project support on a sub-regional or country basis: partnerships established with commercial organizations with a view to developing new funding arrangements with individual National Societies: networks developed with government and NGOs for collaborative and technical support purposes: the development of closer relations with more PNS with the purpose of increasing the level of funding to the regional NS: closer regional identity amongst National Societies: National Societies that can cover their core costs from local or regional sources

to build well-functioning National Societies that can run effective programmes especially in the area of Disaster Preparedness and Response and Health services

Expected results: National Societies that have undergone self assessment exercises: National Societies that are in the process of addressing organizational and management weaknesses and that can demonstrate progress against certain agreed performance indicators: National Societies that have Disaster Preparedness and Health programme plans and a proven disaster response capacity

4 A Priorities Programmes for Federation Assistance

4.1 Disaster Response

The Regional Delegation has an active role in supporting National Societies and Delegations in emergency assessment of disasters . It is also actively involved with monitoring cyclone conditions especially during the period from November to March each year . Information of this kind is forwarded to the National Societies in the path of named cyclones that they should prepare for high winds , flooding or tidal surges.

Presently there are two on going long term relief operations in this region which are:

a) Solomon Island Bougainville Displaced people (a health programme).

This programme is run and managed by the Solomon Island RC and only receives financial support through the Suva, Regional Delegation. The number of beneficiaries are 200. Some of the displaced have been able to go back home but it is not known how long will it take before all can go back.

b) Papua New Guinea, Aitape and Bougainville Operations.

This Operation is ongoing and a separate Appeal is made by PNG RC and Federation Country Delegation.

4.2 Disaster Preparedness

Almost all countries in the Pacific Region are prone to disaster of one type or another. National Societies as auxiliaries to the Government have time and again been called upon to respond when these disasters occur. Statistics show that there were nine named cyclones in the first 4 months of 1999 in the Pacific Region. All National Societies in the Region have Disaster Preparedness as part of their core programmes.

The Federation will provide resources and assistance towards meeting the following objectives:

• By the end of 2000 Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuata RC have updated their DP plans and by the end of 2001 Tuvalu, Toga, PNG, Federal State of Micronesia and Marshall Island RC have written DP plans

• All the Pacific Red Cross Societies have well functioning DP container programme with well managed and stocked containers that can be used when disaster strikes

• Improved human capacity in National Societies for DP/R programme planning and implementation at the national level

• Development of Red Cross National Society network within the region that involves sharing of resources to strengthen preparedness and response capacity

4.3 Health Programmes

The regional Health Programme will for the year 2000-01 focus on empowering National Society Health Programme staff to manage and implement core health programmes in their respective countries. The programme areas included in the programme were identified in the programme meeting in 1999 which was attended by 12 National Societies of the region. The Federation will provide resources and provide technical assistance towards the achievement of the following objectives:

• Improved human capacity in National Societies for health programme planning and implementation at the national level

• Development of Red Cross National Society network within the region that involves sharing of resources to strengthen health programme capacity

• Pacific National Societies have all the necessary material and knowledge so that they are able to plan and implement "first aid in the community", and to develop comprehensive programmes to include more components than just training by the end of 2001.

• By the end of 2001, Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Federal State of Micronesia Red Cross Societies have a functioning Commercial First Aid programmes.

• All National societies in the Pacific have functioning blood donor recruitment programmes, which are able to collect the amount of blood needed in their respective countries.

• HIV/AIDS and psychological support programmes components actively implemented in "the First Aid in the community program" or other relevant programme depending on the country specific needs.

4.4. Promotion of Humanitarian Values

By promoting the Movements fundamental principles and humanitarian values, the National Societies will gain respect and support for their actions and encourage individuals and communities to behave in ways that manifest respect for the human being and avoid discrimination. To achieve this, the Federation will assist with the following:

• Organise an Information workshop to draw participants from all NS (2000)

• Establish a Sub-regional Information network. (2000-01)

• In collaboration with ICRC, assist NSs with IHL activities (2000-01)

• Continue assisting NS's with the Movement’s Millennium campaign (2000)

• Establish global communications network, between all NS's in the region (E-mail, Internet etc.) 1999-2001.

4.5 Institutional /resource development

The primary responsibility for building National Society capacity lies with the individual Society's Governance and Management. Whilst fostering the emergence of competent, well functioning National Societies through capacity building is key to the Federation's work, capacity building requires a long term perspective. Pacific National Societies should work towards an integrated approach to institutional development, human resource, financial resource and programme development.

The Federation will provide technical assistance for the following:

• Undertake institutional and resource development assessments in all Societies by the end of 2000

• Set-up priorities for Institutional and Resource Development support for each Society. (2000-01)

• Explore the opportunities that exist in the international network of RC/RC to develop skills and retain the commitment of both staff and volunteers

5. National Societies activities currently supported by donors, particularly those within the Movement.

Bilateral sources of funding are as follows:

Fiji RC

Some Core-cost and CBSR by New Zealand RC

Water Safety, Spanish RC

Cook Island RC

Core-cost and CBSR, New Zealand RC

First Aid, Empress Shogun and New Zealand RC

Vanuatu RC

Core-cost and CBSR, New Zealand RC

Samoa RC

First Aid, New Zealand and Spanish RC

6 Resource Mobilisation Strategy

Present sources of funding are as follows:

RD Core cost (Delegates)

HoRD, funded by (Australian RC and Japanese RC)

Health Delegate, funded by Finnish RC

ID/RD, when in place will be funded by American RC

Other RD Core cost

Japanese RC and ordinary budget

Programme Support

Japanese, Finish, New Zealand, American and DIFID

Future Funding Expectations are as follows:

RC/RC

Amcross, Auscross, JPRC, NZRC, Finncross, Norcross, Spancross, Swedcross and Italian RC

Human resources in RC/RC

Senior Delegates in PNG operation, KL Regional Delegation, Auscross, NZRC and Staff and Volunteers of the National Societies in the Pacific.

Others

Aus/Aid, Govt. of Japan, DIFID, ECHO, USAID, UNDP, UNICEF and Private Sector.

7. Criteria and process for evaluating the assistance strategy and assessing possible risks.

The Strategy will be monitored on a regular basis by the Regional Delegation Delegates through regular field visits, meetings and workshops. Quarterly, six monthly and yearly reports will be sent to partners to report on whether the National Societies are meeting their objectives. Besides this, programme evaluations will be carried out jointly with donors at the end of the programme period.

There are a number of critical assumptions in implementing planned programmes. These are:

Lack of well defined programmes and well trained staff in National Societies

Programme and priorities are donor driven and Societies .

Little or inadequate financial, human and material resources in NS.

Competition for resources from other organisations.

National Societies may not wish to be involved in certain programmes.

Donors sometimes prefer other agencies to carry out the programmes.

Delegates and funding not available to fill certain positions

8 Budget in (CHF)