Cluster Approach Model for Promoting Coordination in Humanitarian Aid; Following the Kermanshah Earthquake, Iran, 2017

Background: The Cluster model designed to promote humanitarian response management is used as an effective model for cooperation and participation of the relevant aid organizations. Objective: We sought to identify the type and method of humanitarian aid to support people affected by the Kermanshah earthquake and to discuss the importance of the cluster approach in humanitarian response. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected in two phases. First, news and national reports were reviewed and then scientific articles were studied for implementation of the cluster approach for humanitarian aids in disaster. Finally, the findings were compared using the cluster approach of humanitarian aid, analyzed gap and duplication issues in the aid related to the Kermanshah earthquake. Results: Finding showed 308 pieces of news and reports on humanitarian aid transmission were found, 38 % (33) of which were from government agencies and 62% from non-governmental institutes. Review of the NEWS agencies revealed that 150 non-governmental organizations (NGO) and 33 government agencies had helped Kermanshah by sending financial and non-financial aids. The cluster approach was necessary for improving humanitarian responses in developing countries, especially countries located in disaster-prone zones. The cluster model can be used in social donation and can be managed by volunteer organizations during disasters for collecting and transferring the donations. Conclusion: The Cluster model is designed as a solution to promote humanitarian response management. This approach is used as an effective model for cooperation and participation of the relevant aid organizations. There are currently 11 clusters including agriculture, camp management, rapid recovery, education, shelter, telecommunications, health, support, water and sanitation, nutrition, protection and health.