Donor fatigue a problem for Pakistan

That said, the lack of funds and the pace with which they came in, did slow down the operation. It affected how quickly people were reached, how quickly relief supplies were delivered, but more important, it affected the efficiency of the operation. Delayed funds early on meant a delay and shortage of air assets (helicopters).

The focus tends always be on immediate needs, but this results in a less efficient overall response. Donors' criticisms generally focus on information management.

So with limited funding, do you address the developing cholera outbreak, NFI (non food items) tracking, food needs, or systematic assessments?

Now, six months since the earthquake, the problem of a lack of funds is again kicking in. Air assets are being scaled down just at a time when increased landslides triggered by melting snow and increased rain are reducing road access. People will not go back to their villages to rebuild their homes and lives if they fear being cut off without food or medical support.

As the relief phase moves into rehabilitation and recovery, what has been achieved? There have been 425,000 emergency shelters built; 520,000 tents distributed; and 350,000 children immunised against measles. The population has survived the winter with fewer deaths from cold than were recorded last year.

The work of rebuilding has only just begun. Entire cities need to be rebuilt and communities housed, fed and generally supported as this takes place. The funding for reconstruction is much more secure than it was for the relief phase, the bridge between the two is the potential weakness now.

The point of difference in this operation is that about 80 per cent of the aid was delivered by the Pakistan military. It has been called "the most successful example of civil and military co-operation anywhere, anytime, ever". Although they could not have achieved this without the skills, guidance, knowledge and particularly the helicopter support of the humanitarian community, the efforts of the Pakistani military are the real story of this disaster.

The lack of financial support for this emergency was made up for by the ability of the Pakistan military. When reviewing the resourcing and positive outcomes, it must be remembered that few countries would be able to match this effort. Both the humanitarian and donor communities must learn and act on the lessons learnt in Pakistan.