UNOCHA and Iran Collaborate to Enhance Disaster Response with New Needs Assessment Tool

Tehran, Iran – 23 April 2024 – In response to the pressing need for improved coordination and strategic planning in disaster response efforts, National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) in coordination with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), held a two-day technical workshop in Tehran. 

This workshop, held on 23 and 24 April 2024 at the Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization (TDMMO) focused on introduction of the new Iranian Multi-sectoral Initial Rapid Assessment (IMIRA) tool. This customized tool aims to establish a well-defined, coordinated, standardized countrywide approach to multi-sectoral needs assessment following disasters. 

"Any coordinated response can be effective and efficient with a collective needs assessment." stated the UN Resident Coordinator, Stefan Priesner, emphasizing that a collective needs assessment using reliable data and analysis is crucial for an effective and efficient response. "IMIRA will help identify the most pressing needs of disaster-affected populations across various sectors, streamline strategic planning, and optimize resource allocation." 

Over 60 representatives from key government entities involved in disaster management attended the workshop, facilitated by a resource person from UNOCHA Geneva. The event served as a platform for dynamic discussions, exchange of practical exercises and in-depth exploration of multi-sectoral needs assessment methodologies. Participants were introduced to the IMIRA phases, from data collection to interactive dashboards, reporting, and interpreting assessment results. 

A pilot implementation of IMIRA will be conducted in seven provinces: Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, Golestan, Hormozgan, Isfahan, Qom, Qazvin, and Mazandaran.  This pilot phase aims to evaluate IMIRA across diverse disaster contexts, shedding lights on its efficacy in real situations, and laying the groundwork for national rollout.  

Government representatives have underscored the importance of standardized multisectoral needs assessment like IMIRA in elevating coordinated response efforts. The event marked a significant step forward in fortifying the analytical framework that guides the systematic collection and analysis of information on affected people and their needs to inform strategic planning in disaster response.