Ensuring timely and accurate deliveries where help is critically needed
The stakeholder environment in humanitarian logistics is complex, involving multiple international agencies
Operations in areas affected by civil wars, unrest and besieged by natural disasters often unfold in challenging conditions with compromised infrastructure and volatile environments characterized by natural disasters, conflicts, and other humanitarian emergencies necessitating rapid, flexible responses and the ability to operate under resource constraints. This is where Humanitarian Logistics finds opportunities to rise to the occasion to provide critically needed relief.
In its simplest form, Humanitarian Logistics is a branch of logistics which specializes in organizing the delivery and warehousing of supplies during natural disasters or complex emergencies to the affected area and people.
In a recent interview with www.LogisticsGulf.com, Fatima Ait Bendawad, DHL Global Humanitarian Logistics Competence Centre Head, DHL Humanitarian Logistics, spoke expansively on a range of issues, opportunities, and challenges for relief to be provided to beneficiaries in a dangerous, perilous, and life-threatening environment.
These include people affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, trapped in life-and-death situations and for whom much-needed food, temporary housing and medicines must be provided on an urgent basis.
LogisticsGulf.com (LG): How is Humanitarian Logistics similar and different from other more conventional Logistics?
Fatima Ait Bendawad (FAB): While grounded in the same principles of managing the flow of goods and information, humanitarian logistics and conventional logistics are distinct in their objectives, operational environments, and challenges. Both fields prioritize efficiency and employ advanced technologies for transport and inventory management, aiming to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
However, the primary aim of humanitarian logistics is to support relief efforts by alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity during crises. When natural disasters like earthquakes or floods occur, it becomes clear that transport logistics can achieve so much more than just supplying people with essential goods—humanitarian logistics can save lives in an emergency.
Moreover, the stakeholder environment in humanitarian logistics is notably complex, involving coordination among international agencies, NGOs, and local governments, which contrasts with the more straightforward supplier-customer dynamics in conventional business logistics.
This complexity necessitates a unique set of strategies to manage resources and deliver aid effectively under pressing circumstances and innovative solutions and adaptive strategies to overcome challenges. Humanitarian logistics often faces funding constraints, resource shortages, and unpredictable demand patterns, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a strong humanitarian mandate
LG: What are the challenges you face in humanitarian logistics, and how does DHL Global Forwarding address them?
FAB: In 2024, the demand for humanitarian assistance is substantial, with nearly 300 million people globally in need, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The delivery of aid in such scenarios is fraught with challenges, from damaged or inadequate infrastructure and complex supply chains to regulatory hurdles. Essential transport routes are often compromised in crisis zones, where roads may be destroyed or obstructed, requiring logistics providers to devise alternative delivery methods, including airdrops when necessary.
Furthermore, ensuring that the right supplies reach the right people at the right time is a critical yet challenging task due to the dynamic nature of crises, which can alter needs and logistical requirements rapidly.
DHL Global Humanitarian Logistics Competence Centre overcomes these challenges by leveraging its global network and expertise in last-mile delivery to reach even the most remote and inaccessible areas. In DHL Global Humanitarian Logistics Competence Centre, we implement robust security protocols, conduct thorough risk assessments, and coordinate closely with local authorities and security experts to help mitigate security risks.
Additionally, DHL integrates advanced technologies for sophisticated tracking and routing, enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of supply chain management. This ensures that aid reaches the right places at the right times, even as situations on the ground rapidly change.
Furthermore, DHL’s deep understanding of international and local regulatory environments enables them to handle sensitive items like medicines and chemicals efficiently. Our expertise ensures compliance with regulations, avoiding delays and facilitating the smooth delivery of urgently needed aid. These strategies collectively streamline the process, ensuring that humanitarian aid is both timely and effective.
LG: What are your strengths and capabilities that make DHL unique in this sector?
FAB: At DHL, our strategic capabilities in humanitarian logistics are exemplified by our Global Competence Centre for Humanitarian Logistics based in Dubai’s Humanitarian, the largest humanitarian hub worldwide. Drawing from decades of experience in humanitarian logistics and a passionate humanitarian team we have honed our expertise to ensure the seamless transportation and delivery of essential relief goods, even in challenging environments.
Our Centre serves as a pivotal hub for coordinating operations across all United Nations agencies, NGOs, Suppliers, donors, manufacturers, and governmental entities. We ensure that essential relief goods products are delivered seamlessly across global crisis zones.
Leveraging our extensive global footprint and specialized regional knowledge, we meticulously optimize delivery schedules and routes, crucial for timely and effective responses to humanitarian crises and development programmes.
In this scenario, we excel in managing the intricate process of distributing medicines to address neglected tropical diseases across 120 diverse locations. We navigate the logistical challenges with precision and expertise. Our meticulous planning, coupled with our extensive experience in managing complex supply chains, ensures the timely and reliable delivery of life-saving medicines to communities in need, contributing to the eradication of neglected tropical diseases worldwide.
Our effectiveness in humanitarian efforts is also bolstered by our GoHelp programme, which includes disaster preparedness initiatives such as Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD) to ensure airports are equipped to handle crises. Additionally, our Disaster Response Teams (DRTs), which can be deployed within 72 hours, consist of 900+ trained volunteers ready to manage logistics operations at airports, facilitating the swift movement of aid and maintaining clear lines of communication with various organizations.
Moreover, in times of major disasters, our offices transform into bustling hubs of activity, capable of mobilizing up to 300 tonnes of aid in a single day. Our logistical capabilities extend to using ‘speedballs’—emergency supplies packed in polypropylene bags and delivered via helicopter airdrops to locations unreachable by road.
Our integrated approach to disaster management—spanning preparedness, response, and recovery—reflects a comprehensive strategy that utilizes our global presence and logistical expertise. This robust infrastructure and readiness to act enable us to make significant contributions to society and the environment, particularly in responding effectively and efficiently to global humanitarian crises.
LG: Can you tell us about DHL’s humanitarian support programmes?
FAB: DHL’s humanitarian support programmes, particularly our GoHelp initiative, exemplify our commitment to leveraging logistics expertise in global relief efforts. Identifying a critical gap in humanitarian logistics, we collaborated with UN agencies and NGOs to enhance disaster relief, especially at congested airports during natural disasters.
Since 2004, DHL has deployed logistics experts to disaster-stricken airports worldwide, utilizing our vast global network to ensure rapid, efficient aid delivery. Our presence in 220 countries, combined with the world’s largest transportation network, enables us to swiftly deliver medical supplies and essential aid.
In addition to GoHelp, our GoTeach programme enhances our social impact by empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to improve their employment prospects. Through partnerships with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages and Teach For All, GoTeach connects our employees with youth worldwide, offering mentorship and insights into the working world.
Our approach to humanitarian support and youth empowerment emphasizes our commitment to community resilience and economic stability.
LG: What are your activities in non-emergency situations?
FAB: DHL’s role in humanitarian logistics significantly contributes to the development programme of the humanitarian organizations for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals -SDG 2023. DHL fosters partnerships with governments, non-profit organizations, international agencies, and other stakeholders to address humanitarian challenges collectively. Through collaborative efforts, we leverage our logistical capabilities to support development programmes aimed at achieving SDG 2023 and other related goals. By facilitating coordination and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, we maximize the impact of humanitarian interventions and contribute to sustainable development.
As an example, DHL facilitates the transportation and distribution of medicines and equipment to underserved communities. By ensuring timely access to healthcare resources, we support efforts to improve health outcomes, combat NTD, Malaria, TB, and HIV, and promote well-being.
Along with public health, we transport water purification systems, sanitation supplies, and equipment to areas affected by waterborne diseases or lacking access to clean water. By ensuring the timely delivery of these essentials, we contribute to improving water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices, thereby enhancing public health, and supporting the elimination of diseases.
Through our logistical expertise, DHL facilitates the distribution of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment to farmers in rural areas. We also transport educational materials, school supplies, and equipment to communities in need, enabling access to quality education in underserved areas.
DHL plays a crucial role in the transportation and distribution of food aid, nutritional supplements, and emergency relief supplies to communities affected by food insecurity or humanitarian crises. By ensuring the efficient delivery of food assistance, we help alleviate hunger and address malnutrition.
In each of these areas, we leverage our global network, logistical capabilities, and partnerships to support development programmes, humanitarian initiatives, and emergency response efforts worldwide. By facilitating the movement of essential resources and supplies, we contribute to building resilient communities, promoting sustainable development, and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In non-emergency situations, DHL Group actively engages in long-term community development initiatives alongside our daily operations. We extend our support beyond crisis response, focusing on sustainable development and building resilience within local communities.
In addition, DHL initiatives under the ‘GO’ family—such as GoTeach and GoTrade—exemplify this commitment. GoTeach addresses educational barriers and employment opportunities for youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. GoTrade aims to facilitate international trade by improving logistics and market access for developing countries.
We strongly believe in the power of volunteerism and have made it a part of our corporate culture. By providing volunteer opportunities to our diverse workforce of around 600,000 people worldwide, we aim to utilize their unique skills and interests to make a positive impact on communities. This collaborative approach not only enhances our workplace environment but also fosters a shared sense of purpose and empathy.
Together, these efforts reflect our dedication to exceeding our responsibility as a global leader in logistics. We aim to unite our employees in a common cause, leveraging their varied talents to make a meaningful difference on a larger scale. Our commitment to connecting people and improving lives is unwavering.
LG: How do you see the role of logistics evolving in the humanitarian sector, particularly with emerging challenges such as climate change and global health crises?
FAB: As we face the growing challenges of climate change and global health crises, the role of logistics in the humanitarian sector is becoming increasingly crucial. Rapid and severe weather events demand logistics operations that are not only swift but also predictive. By utilizing advanced analytics and forecasting tools, logistics can proactively position supplies near vulnerable areas, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of responses.
The complexities of delivering medical supplies during health crises have also grown. This demands robust logistics capable of handling sensitive products, such as vaccines, which require cold chain solutions. The integration of sustainable practices is another evolution, with efforts to reduce carbon footprints, use renewable energy, and deploy eco-friendly materials, reflecting a commitment to both efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Strengthening local and regional logistics capacities is essential for quick, appropriate responses that also support local economies and resilience. Moreover, embracing technology—like drones for delivery and IoT for inventory management—enhances operational transparency and efficiency.
Collaborative efforts across sectors are vital, as partnerships can pool resources, share expertise, and drive innovative solutions tailored to specific challenges. The future of humanitarian logistics lies in its ability to adapt swiftly, embrace technology, and foster sustainable, community-centred solutions.
LG: Do you have any other closing comments?
FAB: Yes, I do. At DHL, our purpose is clear: to connect people and improve lives. This guiding principle underscores our commitment to humanitarian logistics and sustainable development through programmes GoHelp, GoTeach, Gotrade, and GoGreen Initiative. Recognizing the profound impact of our global network and logistical capabilities, we strive to make a positive difference in the world by leveraging our expertise to support communities in need and promote environmental stewardship.
In our dedication to humanitarian logistics, we recognize the vital role of efficient supply chains in delivering life-saving aid to those affected by disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies. Through strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and agile response mechanisms, we ensure the timely and effective delivery of essential relief supplies, helping to alleviate suffering and rebuild communities in crisis.
In essence, our commitment to humanitarian logistics and sustainable development reflects our belief that business success should go hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility. Through our actions, we seek to create lasting positive impact, connecting people, improving lives, and building a more sustainable world for all.
