When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it sent shock waves across global supply chains. But manufacturers and other businesses weren't the only ones hit hard: local and international aid organizations, tasked with providing humanitarian assistance during times of crisis, suddenly had a major crisis of their own.
Humanitarian organizations showed flexibility and grit during COVID supply chain disruptions, study findsWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it sent shock waves across global supply chains. But manufacturers and other businesses weren't the only ones hit hard: local and international aid organizations, tasked with providing humanitarian assistance during times of crisis, suddenly had a major crisis of their own.
"If you're delivering aid to an internally displaced persons camp where you already have malaria, cholera and all of these otherThe different types of organizations responded differently to supply chain shocks. Long-term development organizations—especially those with ties to international bodies such as the UN, the World Bank and the IMF—were able to source from multiple suppliers and create backup arrangements.
Air travel was disrupted and the price of shipping containers and other forms of long-distance transport skyrocketed, so instead of purchasing items in Europe and then shipping to the Middle East or Africa, many organizations began buying from local grocery stores or regional warehouses or distributors.
Organizations that had good relationships with national or regional governments were also better able to function during the pandemic. For example, UN organizations were able to continue delivering aid during lockdowns, whereas Doctors Without Borders, which purposefully distances itself from authorities, had more trouble getting permission to travel or go into displaced person camps.
"These organizations are designed around providing aid in difficult situations, and when their situation got even more difficult, they still found ways to cope, whereas a lot of businesses that aren't designed for flexibility and responsiveness struggled," says Roscoe.
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