Covid-19 Hub
In 2020, the H2H network provided rapid funding to seventeen member agencies and coordinated eighteen cross-cutting technical services to support humanitarian responders to cope with challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This page provides an overview of publicly available resources developed in the context of these H2H Network-supported projects as well as summaries of good practices and lessons learned. Projects were funded by the H2H Network’s H2H Fund, supported by UK aid from the UK government.
Covid-19 H2H Network response to the info-demic (February - June 2020)
In February 2020, the H2H Network activated its fund and four members agencies provided specialized services aimed at addressing the Covid-19 “info-demic”. The Covid-19 H2H Network response to the info-demic was an extensive and complementary package of services providing information, guidance, and training based on scientific evidence, tailored to local needs and delivered in local languages.
Network member
InternewsHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
ThailandProject period
March – June 2020Objective
1. Information Eco-system assessment to identify relevant information/communication channels used by migrant communities in Bangkok to access and share information related to COVID-19 to understand the specific complexities migrants face when accessing information and services related to COVID-19;
2. Connecting data collection, analysis and production activities across the region to enable demand-driven content in locally relevant languages and as such bridge the trust gap.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Covid-19 resources (guides, tools, webinars) for journalists
Guidance: reporting on clinical trials
Guidance: How media can support their audience during Ramadan
Guidance: How to report accurately on COVID-19 vaccines
Guidance: Using situation reports (sitreps) as story inspiration – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: Self-care for journalists during COVID-19 – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: Tools for Data Visualisation – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: How to prevent stigma and discrimination of migrant workers – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: How to prepare your media audience for a safe return to work – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: Reporting on ‘the second wave’ – Internews COVID-19
Guidance: Reporting on and with vulnerable populations: LGBTQ+ People – Internews COVID-19
Tools for news reporting during social distancing – Internews COVID-19
Analyst Extra: Using word frequencies to guide social media rumour analysis – Internews COVID-19
Resources: Migrants and COVID-19 – Internews COVID-19
Rumour: Can COVID-19 be sexually transmitted? – Internews COVID-19
Rumour: Are patients immune after recovering from COVID-19? – Internews COVID-19
Rumour: Unproven treatments – Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine – Internews COVID-19
Rumour: Is SARS-CoV-2 airborne? – Internews COVID-19
Rumour: Favipiravir/Avigan and how to report on new ‘miracle’ drugs – Internews COVID-19
#infohygiene in times of pandemics – Internews COVID-19
Thai journalist at Prachatai.com Nutcha Tantiwittayapitak shares her #infohygiene tips. Type: Video.
Indian Journalist Mithila Farzana from Ekkator shares her #infohygiene tips. Type: Video.
Network member
Translators without BordersHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
GlobalProject period
March – June 2020Objective
1. Support risk communication by improving public knowledge of the language and literacy dynamics in countries affected by the coronavirus.
2. Combat misinformation related to the coronavirus through language and terminology support for public information efforts.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
DO YOU SPEAK COVID-19? The importance of language for effective communication across the response
Why we need to collect data on the languages of crisis-affected people
Network member
Evidence AidHumanitarian service
Data and information managementWhere
GlobalProject period
March 2020 - January 2021Objective
1. Key stakeholders in the global response to Covid-19 (especially those working in countries with less developed health systems) have access to high-quality, locally relevant research and evidence showing what interventions are effective in treating and managing the disease and mitigating its long term impacts.
2. Key stakeholders are supported to counter misinformation with robust and clearly presented evidence.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: Promoting the use of robust research evidence in the treatment and management of Covid-19
Evidence collection: plain-language summaries of high-quality research available in English, and translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Chinese (simplified and traditional).
Network member
BBC Media ActionHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
Indonesia and GlobalProject period
March - May 2020Objective
1. Improve global access to trusted information about Covid-19.
2. Minimize the spread of misinformation about Covid-19.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Communication to counter the COVID-19 ‘info-demic’
Think before you share to #StopTheSpread - BBC Media Action India
H2H Network Global Covid-19 Humanitarian Support Package (May 2020 – January 2021)
By March 2020, the far-reaching impact of Covid-19 was becoming apparent, along with the need for cross-cutting H2H technical services. The H2H Network Global Covid-19 Humanitarian Support Package was assembled. This 7th activation of the H2H Fund marks the most comprehensive H2H service package to date, aiming to fill a critical gap in the humanitarian response to the pandemic by making 14 technical services available to international and local responders.
Network member
ACAPsHumanitarian service
Data and information managementWhere
GlobalProject period
May - September 2020Objective
1. Contribute to a strengthened evidence base for humanitarian decision-making related to the primary and secondary impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Strengthen the overall humanitarian analytical capacity by connecting and convening analysts from a wide range of humanitarian and non-humanitarian sectors.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Global reports (8)
Understanding the impact of COVID-19: Key questions and info gaps (18/05/2020)
Outbreaks in East Africa: Desert Locusts and COVID-19 (14/05/2020)
COVID-19: Humanitarian Exemptions to Government Measures (26/05/2020)
Migrant vulnerability in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal (13/10/2020)
Global gender analysis on COVID-19, health and protection (22/10/2020)
Global gender analysis on COVID-19 and livelihood (23/10/2020)
Global analysis of COVID-19 impact on education (04/11/2020)
Latin America: COVID-19 and impact on education (03/11/2020)
Crisis reports (8)
Nigeria: Vulnerabilities to COVID-19 and containment measures (26/05/2020)
Venezuela: COVID-19 outbreak overwhelms health system (27/05/2020)
South Sudan: Access to basic needs and services (12/08/2020)
Mexico: COVID-19 and Migration (01/09/2020)
Burkina Faso: COVID-19, insecurity and education (15/10/2020)
DRC: Impact of COVID-19, conflict and policy reforms on education (19/10/2020)
Greece: Fires and COVID-19 caused displacement in Lesvos (13/10/2020)
Iraq: Impact of COVID-19 on Education (09/11/2020)
Summary descriptive reports based upon input from 1000+ humanitarian experts (2)
Humanitarian Experts Network 10-week Summary Report (8/05/2020)
Humanitarian Experts Network Data Summary Report (22/10/2020)
Joint collaborative analysis produced with key partners
Nigeria: Vulnerabilities to COVID-19 and containment measures (26/05/2020), in consultation with Nigeria NGO Forum (26/05/2020)
Venezuela: COVID-19 outbreak overwhelms health system in consultation with Mercy Corps (27/05/2020)
DRC: Impact of COVID-19, conflict and policy reforms on education, in collaboration with the Global education cluster (19/10/2020)
Iraq: Impact of COVID-19 on Education (20/11/2020)
Network member
Atlas LogistiqueHumanitarian service
Security, logistics and programme supportWhere
Democratic Republic of CongoProject period
May 2020 – August 2020Objective
Contribute to the optimization and efficiency of the humanitarian supply chain in Kinshasa and North Kivu.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H project blog: A new concept for humanitarian logistics in DRC
Network member
CartONGHumanitarian service
Data and information managementWhere
GlobalProject period
May 2020 - January 2021Objective
1. Improve the impact and quality of the Covid-19 response (for ongoing and new projects) by supporting humanitarian agencies to adapt their IM and M&E activities.
2. Improve the global efficiency of the response with shared resources and lessons learned.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Findings from a CSO’s workshop on the consequences of physical distancing on their data practices
Covid-19: IM Practical Resources for Aid Actors (updated every 2 to 4 weeks)
20+ language tips for effective humanitarian data collection
Making the most of Form Design in Remotely Monitored Projects – A data quality oriented approach
Designing a good Excel Database quickly: a few tips for increased efficiency
What digital solutions for feedback and complaint mechanisms?
RESILAC consortium case study on reinforcing adaptive programming through the Feedback Day Method
ACAPS & IOM case study on data collection processes in Cox’s Bazar during the COVID-19 crisis
Network member
CDAC NetworkHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
Sudan, ZimbabweProject period
May 2020 - December 2020Objective
Strengthen CCEA through improved coordination and the rapid collation, generation and dissemination of health messaging related to Covid-19, relevant to humanitarian settings, grounded on a strong evidence base.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Research paper: Improving The Response To Covid-19: Lessons From The Humanitarian Sector Around Communication, Community Engagement And Participation. The paper was developed using participatory processes.
Webinar: The Rest and the West. How Western governments can get back in touch with their own citizens in the COVID-19 response by applying the same humanitarian principles they require others to adopt, based on the findings of the funded research paper.
Blog: Global crisis, local solutions: community engagement in the African context
Network member
Fondation HirondelleHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
Uganda, Guinea, Sierra LeoneProject period
May - December 2020Objective
1. Contribute to the global response and reduce the risk of instability linked to Covid-19 by facilitating access to reliable, credible and targeted information for the populations of 3 countries.
2. Support local media in their social and vital role of informing the populations in times of crisis.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: Leaving no-one behind – the media’s role in supporting communities during the Covid-19 in Uganda, Guinea and Sierra Leone
Radio drama - The Pearl Episode 001 / Stigmatisation of people who recovered from COVID19: After recovering from the Coronavirus disease, Joana is released from the hospital and returns home. But, her ordeal isn’t over yet, as she faces another torment. Produced by Ears and MiCT, October 2020.
Special report - L’impact du coronavirus sur le secteur de la pêche se fait sentir sur le panier de la ménagère. (The housewife’s food basket upset by the impact of the coronavirus on the fishing sector). Produced by AJSG, October 2020.
Magazine - Leh wi tap Corona / Program about physically challenged people and Corona. Produced by CTN, December 2020
Network member
Ground Truth SolutionsHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityObjective
1. The ongoing response is informed by and adapted to the perspectives of affected and at-risk communities in humanitarian settings, at both national and global levels.
2. Global perceptions analysis informs global research and learning for future emergencies and the ongoing response to Covid-19.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Camp community perceptions on COVID-19 in Cox's Bazar
7 questions to consider when switching to phone surveys with crisis-affected people
Ten things we’ve learned about tracking perceptions
Network member
Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)Humanitarian service
Quality and sector professionalizationWhere
Iraq, Syria, YemenProject period
June - September 2020Objective
Capacity building to help NGOs adapt their processes to the Covid-19 operational context.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: Helping Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni NGOs to ensure business continuity throughout Covid-19
Network member
Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)Humanitarian service
Data and information managementWhere
Dem Rep of the Congo, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Malawi,Tanzania, Botswana, Mongolia, Colombia, Peru, PhilippinesProject period
May 2020 - January 2021Objective
1. Provide base map data for at least 8 local response efforts.
2. Support microgrant recipients and government agencies in collecting, integrating and using open data sources and OpenStreetMap data in Covid-19 response.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: A global mapping network to support the Covid-19 response
All the geographical data created by HOT is imported to OpenStreetMap, and made available under the free and open Open Database License (ODbL). Map data can be accessed and downloaded in a number of ways at no cost: HOT Export Tool, Humanitarian Data Exchange, and OSM.org. Therefore, that data can be accessed and utilized to inform decision making by anyone.
HOT created data visualization products and blog posts to better understand, showcase and communicate the work of the organization and its contributors. Example: C-19 Remote Mapping web map which visualizes HOT’s efforts in this project.
Network member
Insecurity InsightHumanitarian service
Security, logistics and programme supportWhere
GlobalProject period
May - August 2020Objective
1. Facilitate aid agency information sharing and keep aid agencies updated on the changing security context to enable aid security during the Covid-19 response.
2. Provide aid agencies with material that supports the translation of knowledge into practical security strategies and measures.
3. Enhance the understanding within the wider aid sector of the dynamic interaction between context, security strategies and access during health emergencies.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Mobile Guide (1):
‘Emergency Healthcare in Insecure Settings’ that addresses safety and security of health workers during a pandemic
Publications (22)
Bulletin 7: Aid Security And COVID-19
Bulletin 8: Aid Security And COVID-19
Bulletin 9: Attacks on schools in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Reporting Sexual Violence And Abuse - June 2020
Protection in Danger Monthly News Brief - June 2020
Education In Danger Monthly News Brief June 2020
Aid in Danger Bi-Weekly News Brief 1-14 July 2020
Aid in Danger Bi-Weekly News Brief 15-28 July 2020
Protection In Danger Monthly News Brief July 2020
Attacks On Health Care Monthly News Brief July 2020
Reporting Sexual Violence And Abuse July 2020
Aid in Danger Bi-Weekly News Brief 29 July-12 August 2020
Social Media Monitoring Cameroon: Bulletin 9
Education In Danger Monthly News Brief July 2020
12-25 August Aid In Danger Bi-Weekly News Brief
Bulletin 10: Aid and health worker safety and security in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Protection in Danger Monthly News Brief August 2020
Attacks on Health Care Monthly News Brief August 2020
26 August - 08 September 2020 Aid In Danger Bi-Weekly News Brief
Network member
Map ActionHumanitarian service
Data and information managementWhere
GlobalProject period
May - January 2021Objective
Informing effective humanitarian planning and response through the provision of geospatial and data products/services to key coordination and response organisations from global through to local levels for Covid-19 measures and secondary impacts of Covid-19.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: MapAction’s Global Help Centre: creating new partnerships through GIS/Information Management in the humanitarian sector
Maps developed in the context of the responses
DP camp mapping for OCHA Syria Camp Coordination and Camp Management & Shelter NFI
Health cluster mapping for WHO/ Global Health Cluster – Libya
Dashboard for ACAPS
Covid-19 Incidents mapping in health facilities for Insecurity Insight
Network member
RedR UKHumanitarian service
Quality and sector professionalizationWhere
Turkey, SyriaProject period
May - November 2020Objective
1. Strengthen the ability of Covid-19 responders to promote effective disease control & prevention and improve psychosocial support to staff and communities.
2. Empower community workers and communities themselves to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and its impact on most at-risk and vulnerable populations.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
H2H Project blog: Training in the Time of Covid
Network member
SphereHumanitarian service
Quality and sector professionalizationWhere
GlobalProject period
May - November 2020Objective
1. Build the capacity and understanding of humanitarian actors on the relevant humanitarian standards – Sphere, Core Humanitarian Standard and HSP standards – for the Covid-19 response.
2. Promote community-led approaches and practices that adhere with humanitarian standards and adapt to the Covid-19 realities.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
List of links to webinar pages
Covid-19 case studies of good practice from around the globe (and links to other C-19 resources)
Network member
The New HumanitarianHumanitarian service
Community engagement and accountabilityWhere
GlobalProject period
May - August 2020Objective
By providing accurate, fact-based information about the Covid-19 pandemic, including evolving needs on the ground and the changing humanitarian response, TNH contributed to improved communication with and accountability to affected communities and helped humanitarian actors adapt to the new Covid-19 world in the long term.
Resource links
Public resources and articles produced in the context of this response:
Reports providing epidemiologically accurate information amplifying the voices and evolving needs of those affected, particularly the most vulnerable (20)
How Brazil’s COVID-19 response has fallen to community leaders
Six ways COVID-19 is changing South Africa
Violence or the virus? Mindanao’s displaced forced to choose
In Afghanistan, the coronavirus fight goes through Taliban territory
Known unknowns: The challenge of collecting COVID-19 data in Venezuela
Child marriage worries rise amid coronavirus lockdown in Cameroon [She Said]
Hard lessons from COVID-19 on looking after the dead
COVID-19's double dangers for Venezuelan women in Colombia [She Said]
At the US-Mexico border, coronavirus fears and asylum chaos
Afghanistan’s missing coronavirus patients: Women [She Said]
Q&A Want to know about COVID-19 in Haiti? Ask a nurse
Briefing: Coronavirus and the halting of asylum at the US-Mexico border
Despite COVID-19 setbacks, displaced Kachin women keep their families afloat [She Said]
As home births rise in Nepal, so do fears for maternal health [She Said]
How coronavirus hit Aden: A Yemeni doctor's diary
COVID-19 shifts Peru’s internal migration into reverse
Kenya’s teen pregnancy crisis: More than COVID-19 is to blame [She Said]
COVID-19 sparks push for immigration reform in Brazil
Haitian mental health needs rise yet again with COVID-19 trauma
A Kenyan COVID-19 notebook: The ‘mama mbogas’ and the path to recovery
Reports investigating/analyzing the aid industry’s response to the crisis (4)
In Peru’s Amazon, the church fills COVID-19 aid void for indigenous people
Coronavirus: A window of opportunity for action on migration?
LGBTQ+ people left out by exclusionary COVID-19 aid practices
Lost in translation: Language barriers and the Rohingya response
Policy analysis about response trends, including on humanitarianism at a turning point examining how this crisis changes humanitarian response in the long-term (1)
This global pandemic could transform humanitarianism forever. Here’s how
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