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After attending a training with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Jiwaka province, one participant has put her knowledge to work to better understand the movement of people into Mount Hagen’s settlements areas in Western Highlands province.  

The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) is a tool for gathering data on population mobility including people displaced by emergencies. It helps government and organizations to better understand and respond to the needs of mobile and vulnerable populations.  

Diana Anis attended IOM’s training on DTM in Jiwaka. Living in Mount Hagen town in Western Highlands province, Diana recognized that many people from neighbouring provinces moving into Mount Hagen. After the training, Diana was eager to utilise her new familiarity with the DTM to learn about these movements.  

“People travel far and wide with many evolving needs,” said Diana. “It’s important to have a system to monitor such movements,” she added. 

Diana said most times when responding to crisis or disasters, partners and local authorities focus on the affected sites, and more can be done to monitor the movement of the displaced people who have moved further away from the affected area.  

She thanked USAID and IOM for funding and facilitating the training. “This is very helpful in gathering evidence-based information on internally displaced persons, their movements and their evolving needs,” she said. “Such information may also help the host provinces or communities know how services and resources are used or shared. They can better plan to anticipate future needs,” added Diana. 

For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:  

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int   

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int