Fifteen years ago one of the Doctors Without Borders spoke about going into refugee camps in Ruwanda. She told us about her most urgent priorities, not so much treating those that are sick, but securing the water supply, and the food supply, and vaccinating everyone to prevent the spread of disease.
If Doctors Without Borders knew this fifteen years ago, surely the earthquake aid workers in Haiti knew this ten months ago. Yet, they now face a Cholera outbreak spread by spoiled water. There's no excuse for what's happening to these poor people in the Haiti countryside. And there's certainly no excuse for letting this spread to the city. The prescription is not that complicated. Secure the water supply. Secure the food supply. Pre-position appropriate medical supplies.
The analogy works for your organization as well. Make sure you're clear on what water and food supplies are required to keep your business healthy. Don't ever compromise them.
