The Power of a Scan: QR Codes Aid Cyclone Recovery

When Cyclone Remal tore through West Bengal and Bangladesh's Sundarbans Delta on May 26th, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake, UNICEF India knew they had to act swiftly. The storm had impacted an estimated 23 million people, including 7 million children, and the need for essential supplies was dire.

UNICEF and its partners mobilized immediately, providing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and health services to those affected. To ensure that the life-saving actions were as effective as possible, they implemented a unique community feedback mechanism (CFM).

Inspired by the "Kits that Fit" global program, UNICEF India introduced a community feedback system. This system allowed those receiving the WASH kits to provide direct input on the appropriateness and usefulness of the supplies. By listening to the voices of the people most directly affected by the cyclone, UNICEF hoped to tailor their response to meet their specific needs.

To make it easy for people to share their feedback, UNICEF developed a questionnaire in Copenhagen and translated it into Bangla, the local language. A QR code was then printed on each WASH kit. By scanning the QR code, survivors could access the questionnaire and provide their responses.

Out of the 1,500 kits distributed, UNICEF received over 350 responses. The feedback was invaluable. Many people expressed satisfaction with the quality of the kits, but there were also specific requests. Women and girls, in particular, demanded more sanitary napkins. Others requested bleaching powder or phenyl to help clean their homes after the storm water surge was still around. Additionally, many people expressed a desire for permanent drinking water solutions rather than the temporary water-purifiers included in the kits.

The feedback collected through the QR codes, combined with the insights gathered by UNICEF volunteers, is helping the organization to adapt its ongoing response. By listening to the people on the ground, UNICEF can ensure that its efforts are more effective and relevant to the needs of the most vulnerable women and children affected by the cyclone.