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:
- As of 31 March, UNHRC estimated that there were 140 000 IDPs in eastern Chad and more than 283 000 refugees, including 236 800 from Sudan and 46 300 from the Central African Republic.
- Chad is a candidate for the activation of the Cluster Approach.
- 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.
- Three suspected cases of meningitis were notified in Gozbeida during the past week, none of which were confirmed by lumbar punctures.
Actions:
- Health authorities and WHO conducted a mission to Gozbeida to examine the cases of meningitis and organize the response. During the mission, WHO also assessed the needs of the district hospital for the implementation of a new CERF project; US$ 676 026 have been received to improve access to health care for IDPs in eastern Chad.
- WHO participated in an inter-agency mission to Am Dam et Hawish to assess the availability and quality of water supplies and sanitation facilities.
- WHO is working with national counterparts to establish a service for HIV/AIDS counselling in Abéché hospital. Training was organized for health workers throughout the beginning of 2007.
- The first part of the medical kits bought with the Italian funds 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.
- WHO continues supporting coordination of national partners with UN agencies and INGOs to ensure that the health component of humanitarian activities is adequately addressed.
- Emergency activities are supported by the CERF, ECHO and Italy.