LONDON (AlertNet) - Britain has pledged 3 million pounds ($4.4 million) for research on new technology to save people caught up in conflict and natural disasters.
Plumpy'nut, a peanut paste that treats malnutrition, is just one of the technological advances humanitarians say has saved lives in crisis situations.
The aid sector views technological development as a key plank for improving its capabilities in the future and millions of dollars are being ploughed into research and development.
"The humanitarian system is in good shape to absorb innovation, and can make the difference between life and death for thousands of people," said Nemat Shafik, Permanent Secretary at Britain's Department for International Development (DFID), in a statement.
The pledge was made at a conference organised by the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP). ALNAP was set up in 1997 to try and improve accountability and learning in the aid sector.
Along with Plumpy'nut, ALNAP cited the Life Straw, a portable filter that allows people to drink water from any source, as one of the innovations that has saved lives in emergencies.
"There is a clear and urgent need to harness the most creative ideas to address the problems faced by the poorest and most vulnerable," Ben Ramalingam, head of research and development at ALNAP.
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