PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 60 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: Sphere Handbook; WHO Emergency Response Framework; IASC Humanitarian Programme Cycle; ECHO and KSrelief response expectations; Georgian Emergency Management Service coordination
1. Purpose and scope
To define how PHIG prepares for and responds to public-health emergencies, disasters and displacement crises, as an institute, a research body and an information network. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- Preparedness plan: roles, activation criteria, surge roster of experts, standing partnerships (WHO, national public health authorities, universities, hospitals), pre-agreed information products (alerts, guidance, FAQs through the network), and funding routes.
- Activation by the Chair or Director; an incident management team formed within 24 hours; daily coordination during the acute phase; coordination with the national emergency and health authorities and the UN cluster system.
- Response scope: rapid evidence synthesis, risk communication and community engagement through the network, support to competency-based training (e.g., refugee and migrant health competency standards), occupational safety of responders, assessment and verdicts on emergency products and supplies.
- Humanitarian principles, safeguarding, PSEAH, data protection and conflict sensitivity apply in full during emergencies; no shortcuts on ethics.
- After-action review within 60 days of stand-down; lessons published.
3. Procedures
- Preparedness plan reviewed annually; surge roster updated; simulation exercise every two years.
Responsibilities
Director; Chair; incident management team.
Review
Every two years and when donor rules change.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).