THE PROBLEM
Bad things happen in the world and people suffer. A rapid, intelligent approach to deal with disasters is needed. GHASS is that whether it be Natural or man-made disasters, Infections, Epidemics, Pandemics, Chronic diseases, Obesity. Hypertension, Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBRN) and Nuclear hazards.
They may lack sufficient funds or adequate trained manpower whilst juggling with multiple crises . Transparency International highlights the problems of endemic corruption world-wide. They may lack data gathering/analysis resources . The gap between an official ministerial statement and action on the ground can be very significant
They are often bureaucracies where skills may not meet needs . Very hard to sack anyone for not doing their job to the required level. May gather data but not share it. Slow to act & Poor at execution in certain areas. Have political considerations that may involve not offending others .
They may not be available when & where you need them. They may choose not to travel to difficult locations and may give you advice that does not fit your particular needs.
They sometimes lack accountability & this may lead to ‘perverse’ actions that do not help those who need it. They have a need to persuade potential donors that they have the right solution or that the problem is X when it may be Y. Some are fiercely uncollaborative and in such cases can hinder progress.
Some experts make their name through 1 or 2 key ideas that seal their reputation and their prestige. Their ideas may re-circulate through international agencies despite limited proof of effect. Some but not all academic experts find it hard to admit when a new problems needs new solutions outside their range of experience or expertise.