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Social Finance for Better Post-Disaster Health

People in protective uniforms and hardhats removing pieces of broken building during rescue mission after earthquake

16 November 2024

Challenge being addressed

Earthquakes and tsunamis can be devastating, causing extensive injury, disability and mental health damage to those affected. Negative health effects can last beyond the immediate aftermath of the event, through direct and indirect effects. This study looks to understand the long term health consequences of disasters and how suitable an innovative social finance tool (a social impact bond) might be in improving the health of those affected in Indonesia. The research marks a new collaboration between UCL and Indonesia's Resilience Development Initiative in the disaster-health-finance nexus.

Research impact

Using longitudinal household survey data, fieldwork in affected communities, and interviews with experts from Indonesian ministries, social investors, communities and health service providers, the project will design a new financial instrument that leverages funding from the private sector to address longer-term post-disaster health needs. The project will also suggest how the findings can be integrated into the current social protection programme in Indonesia, and identify new, policy relevant research collaborations, to create significant, lasting impact pathways.

Funding

This work was supported by a Research Collaborations grant, 1203760081, under the International Science Partnerships Fund. The UK Department of Science Innovation and Technology funded the grant in partnership with the British Council. For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-science-partner....

Project duration

August 2024 to July 2026

Project team and collaborators

  • UK PI: Dr Rozana Himaz (UCL RDR)
  • Indonesia PI: Dr Saut Sagala (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia)
  • Co-I: Dr Saman Ghaffarian (UCL RDR)
  • Co-I: Dr Irene Sondang (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia)
  • Co-I: Ms Priskilla Sulaiman (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia)
  • Co-I: Ms Debby Paramitasari (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia)

Additional links

Image: People in protective uniforms and hardhats removing pieces of broken building during rescue mission after earthquake, by Framestock