As the senseless attacks on hospitals and civilians in Ukraine shock the world, lives are also at risk from health crises growing behind the headlines.

This report underlines the importance of a coordinated and collaborative approach to emergency response in urban areas. The recommendations, addressed primarily to humanitarian actors, reflect lessons learned from the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) initial emergency response programming on the island of Lesbos, Greece, between September 2015 and March 2016.

IRC staff know that steadfast and compassionate support can prevent the loss of young lives—and give families hope for the future.