West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (8 - 14 November 2016)

BURKINA FASO

OVER 1,200 DENGUE FEVER CASES REPORTED

Some 1,251 suspected dengue fever cases and 15 deaths had been reported in the country’s Central region as of 11 November. Thirty more cases were reported in 12 other regions. The government has reinforced its epidemiological survey and reporting system for dengue fever and is taking control measures that include treatment of severe cases and public health information campaigns. Samples have been dispatched to Dakar’s Institut Pasteur for analysis and confirmation.

CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC

AID GROUPS SUSPEND OPERATIONS

Following recent incidents of insecurity in the western Batangafo area, four humanitarian organizations on 14 November announced a temporary suspension of non-essential activities until conditions improve. The area has witnessed several incidents of violence and assault against civilians and humanitarian workers since the start of November. The NGOs urged the UN peacekeeping force MINUSCA to increase night patrols and rapid reaction when an incident occurs. They also called on local leaders to facilitate security and the work of aid groups and warned that violations of humanitarian rights could force a complete halt of operations.

GHANA

NEW CHOLERA CASES EMERGE

Twenty-four new cholera cases were reported in Cape Coast district on 10 November, bringing to 292 the total number of cases since the outbreak erupted nearly a month ago. No deaths have been reported. The new infections have emerged even as control measures are being undertaken, calling for intensified efforts in terms of coverage and quality, according to an update by the Health Ministry and WHO.

CHAD

RISING LAKE WATERS COMPLICATE ACCESS

The annual rise of Lake Chad waters is currently complicating humanitarian access to several areas. The waters have risen in various branches of the Lake. Aid organizations are exploring alternative routes to deliver assistance to Fourkouloum, Ngouboua, Kaiga Ngouboua and Tchoukoutalia localities.

NIGERIA

EIGHT MILLION FACE DIRE FOOD INSECURITY

Around 8 million people are currently in “crisis”, “emergency” and “famine” levels of food insecurity across 16 states in the country’s northern half, according to the latest food security assessment. The figure is projected to rise to around 11 million between June and August 2017. In the conflict-hit Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, some 4.7 million people are struggling with high levels of food insecurity, up from 4.4 million in June - August. Between June and August next year, 5.1 million people in the three north-eastern states are projected to face serious food shortages, 400,000 more than the current figure.