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Health Action in Crises Monthly Report Sep 2004

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DISCLAIMER: The following is a non-exhaustive selection of health-related events For a list of acronyms, please see the last page of this and WHO actions undertaken during the stated period in specific countries in update. which populations are experiencing crisis conditions. This has been compiled by WHO/Health Action in Crises (HAC/HQ), in consultation with relevant Country and Regional Offices. If you are a WHO staff member and wish to contribute to this update, please write crises@who.int.

AFRO West Africa Sub-Region

Regional Office Focal Point: K.E Siamevi, siamevik@afro.who.int
HQ Focal Point: K. Shibib, shibik@who.int

Liberia

Events

The head of the UN mission in Liberia announced that the disarmament programme would officially end on October 30 and any former fighters found with weapons after that would be prosecuted. (IRIN)

WFP said chronic shortages in the food supply pipeline had forced a further cut in the rations given to nearly 740,000 people. These existing beneficiaries would receive just 1,300 calories of the recommended 2,100 calorie daily food ration in September, 38 percent less than usual. (IRIN)

The Security Council extended the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)'s mandate for another 12 months.

On 27 September, the governments of Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire and the UNHCR, signed tripartite repatriation agreements, to set up the legal framework for the Liberian repatriation operation due to be launched on 1st October. (OCHA)

WHO Interventions

World Health Organisation, Ministry of Health, NGOs and other Health partners discussed the recommendations of the assessment for the national surveillance system and focused on roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health, WHO and Health partners during the implementation process of IDSR. (OCHA)

WHO supported the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop the five- year strategic plan and proposal for the prevention and control of Lassa fever. This falls within the scope of the regional framework for the prevention and control of Lassa fever in Mano River Union countries. (OCHA)

5 technical support teams comprising WHO, UNICEF, MOH and other NGOS will provide support to develop County level Micro-plans. The teams will spend two days in each county. Preparations are ongoing for district level planning. Plans for logistics movement from national to county and district levels have also been finalized. (OCHA)

A Technical team comprising of WHO and MOH undertook field visits to communities in Monrovia and its environs. The purpose was to meet stakeholders in areas of gender-based violence, and to obtain information for the up-coming rapid assessment of gender based issues. (OCHA)

WHO has finalized a situation report on Environmental & Occupational Health, the first step towards the formulation of an Environmental & Occupational Health Policy for Liberia. (OCHA)

UNICEF and WHO are collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Rotary International, local and international NGOs to conduct two rounds of Synchronized National Immunization Days in Oct and Nov 2004. (OCHA)

WHO is also soliciting the assistance of UNMIL and NGOs for logistics and movement of items for the national immunization days (NIDs).

The Five Year Strategic Plan on Malaria Prevention and Control in Liberia was finalized last week by WHO, MOH and partners. It will be a Multi-indicator cluster survey on malaria and include HIV prevalence and syphilis. (OCHA)

The WHO is continuing its support to the Ministry of Health, MOH, to reactivate some of the essential health care programs. Over 1.6 million children have so far been immunized against measles and have also received Vitamin A supplementation. The WHO has identified several gaps in health care delivery that include: poor funding for the CAP for the rehabilitation of the six strategic hospitals; the absence of the County Health Teams; and lack of equipment, drugs and trained health manpower at the county and community levels, all of which are affecting the rapid reactivation of essential health care services such as basic health care, referral care, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health care and other health promotional activities. (OCHA)

WHO presented the last of eight of a 15-motorbike package to the Ministry of Health to strengthen the health surveillance program. (OCHA)

A mental health strategy for Liberia is being drafted. WHO, the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and NGO-health service providers will move logistics into the counties. (OCHA)

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