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Chad + 6 more

Health action in crises - Highlights No 157 - 07 to 13 May 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

The Revised CAP was launched in Geneva on 11 May. It is requesting US$ 23.4 million, including 3.8 million for health and nutrition. The IASC Task Team on the Cluster Approach is organizing a workshop in Chad from 22-24 May.

Despite a new agreement between Chad and Sudan the humanitarian crisis that has displaced an estimated 140 000 is not expected to subside.

Assessments and events:

- Violence continues spreading in the east and the number of IDPs is growing. As of 31 March, more than 140 000 people are known to have been displaced, mainly in the departments of Dar Sila and Dar Assongha, but figures are probably incomplete due to insecurity.

- At least 14 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a tornado hit the south-eastern town of Bebedjia on 7 May; 95% of the town was destroyed. A second storm followed, increasing the damage.

- 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.

Actions:

- Health authorities and WHO conducted a mission to Gozbeida to investigate suspected 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 and Hawish to assess the needs of 8000 IDPS arrived in this area in December 2006. Main concerns are lack of water and sanitations facilities as a well as lack of access to primary health care. New IDPS arrive every day.

- 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.

- 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 ECHO, Italy and the CERF.