Commitment by NetHope

In 2018, NetHope committed to address information and communications readiness gap in the Caribbean region by implementing a disaster preparedness and response plan for the region focused on ICT preparedness. The 2017 hurricane season exposed critical weaknesses in the communications infrastructure of impacted areas, with information on damages often taking days to reach the outside world. With partners including Cisco, Facebook, Microsoft, and more, NetHope will implement a five-part regional preparedness plan involving: pre-positioned ICT equipment; deployment of trained staff; data sharing platforms with other NGOs and businesses; Information as Aid programs; and an online data sharing platform to support real-time decision making by responders. As a result of the commitment, at least 100 individuals from 25 partner organizations will receive training in how to deploy ICT in disaster settings.