Pathways to Scale in Rapid Responses

A new discussion paper by Humanitarian Associates, commissioned by Elrha, explores how partnerships, evidence, and funding can accelerate the deployment of life-saving innovations in humanitarian emergencies. With urgent needs rising and resources shrinking, rapidly scaling proven solutions is critical. The research draws on case studies, including Oxfam’s deployment of Reemi’s reusable menstrual hygiene kit in Gaza, interviews, and extensive literature reviews to uncover barriers and enablers of innovation scale-up.

In Gaza, women face a severe menstrual hygiene crisis worsened by conflict and aid shortages. Disposable pads fall far short of demand. The reusable kit met urgent needs for health and dignity, demonstrating how well-evidenced innovations can be pre-positioned and deployed rapidly when partnerships and funding align.

Barriers to scaling include slow adoption timelines, systemic biases, rigid procurement, underfunding, and ethical risks that can compromise local dignity. Success depends on addressing real needs, building strong evidence, fostering trust with humanitarian and local partners, allowing time to adapt, and securing flexible funding.

The discussion paper outlines key actions for innovators: design for user needs and easy adoption; localise partnerships; target and engage humanitarian partners early; communicate clearly; conduct field visits; embrace academic collaboration; and understand humanitarian basics. Piloting innovations in multiple emergency contexts and securing funding to support procurement are crucial.

For funders like Elrha, recommendations include streamlining processes, aligning funding with production, supporting networking and communications, maintaining ongoing agency relationships, and advocating for donor flexibility.