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Government and partners intensify relief efforts for Congolese refugees

Government and partners are intensifying efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to over 16, 666 Congolese refugees registered at Bubukwanga Transit Camp in Bundibugyo.

The Office of Prime Minister and UNHCR are coordinating the setting up and management of the camp. Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) was tasked to be in charge of the camp.

A URCS refugee influx response report on July 25 indicates that 16 agencies are supporting government in provision of humanitarian assistance to the refugees. 46 communal shelters have been set up at the camp.

However, there are challenges of limited space at the camp which is hampering shelter construction.

URCS continues to provide tracing services through mobile phone at the camp. 14 phone calls were made of which 13 have been successful. The report indicates that 251 phone calls have been made since the launch of the service.

According to the report, several latrines and bathing shelter have been constructed for the refugees to improve sanitation in the camp.

Red Cross volunteers continue to undertake hygiene promotion in the camp as part of efforts to avoid disease outbreaks.

In regard to health, 195 refugees were recently attended to at the health centre. The health working group reports that malaria cases had increased to 41.5% while respiratory tract infections stood at 28.2% and diarrhea at 1%.

To ensure timely preparation of meals, six kitchen have been fully completed and supported by water points. WFP and government are providing food for the refugees. URCS deployed 90 volunteers to support the operation.