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Chad + 7 more

Health action in crises - Highlights No 155 - 23 to 29 Apr 2007

Attachments

Each week, the World Health Organization Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on the health aspects of selected humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and Headquarters. The mandate of the WHO Departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.

Chad

Assessments and events:

- Insecurity persists in the east, with increasing rumours of a possible rebel attack. The government sent reinforcement and cautioned all humanitarian agencies working in the area.

- According to the Early Warning System set up by WHO in collaboration with the MoH and partners, the first causes of morbidity among IDPs and refugees remain acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and malaria.

- A second case of meningitis was notified in Bredjing camp (hosting about 30 000 people). Surveillance was intensified and a mission is planned.

Actions:

- WHO recruited a new staff to support the coordination of the CERF-funded project on health interventions for IDPs in Gozbeida area. A mission there is under preparation to assess means and to present the new staff to partners.

- The first part of the medical kits bought with the Italian funds has arrived in Abéché to be distributed to health facilities in the east. Dispatch will be done swiftly so that all is in place before the onset of the rainy season.

- A HAC staff from HQ is on mission to Abeche to strengthen the WHO team.

- Emergency activities are supported by ECHO, the CERF and Italy. As the lead of the Health Cluster, WHO is submitting a new project to provide assistance to IDPs in eastern Chad for the next three months.