Phase I WPNS Self-Assessment 2002-2004
This IFRC report presents the findings of the first round of the Well-Prepared National Society (WPNS) self-assessment, conducted between 2002 and 2004 with 134 National Societies participating — a 74% global response rate. The WPNS tool was designed as a practical working instrument to help National Societies assess their disaster preparedness status, identify strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize capacity building actions across seven key areas: disaster preparedness policies and plans; structure and organization; relevance and community engagement; human resources; financial and material resources; advocacy; and monitoring and evaluation.
The report presents global and regional findings across each of these areas, documenting both progress and persistent gaps. Key findings include that while over half of National Societies had written disaster plans and designated focal points, significant weaknesses remained in recovery and rehabilitation planning, early warning system coverage, monitoring and evaluation, volunteer testing, logistics capacity, and emergency fund management. The report also illustrates how the WPNS tool was applied at national, regional, and global levels — including its use during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami response and in regional disaster management planning across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations for National Societies, IFRC delegations, and donors, and sets the framework for the second round of assessments planned for 2005–2007. It includes the original WPNS characteristics framework and the full questionnaire used in the first round as annexes.