CHF 60,045 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Congolese Red Cross National Society (NS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 59,120 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and about 40,000 host populations, i.e. an estimated 99,120 beneficiaries. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: In July 2011, a cholera outbreak occurred in the Republic of Congo (RoC) affecting Brazzaville, Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette, Plateaux and Pool divisions. DREF funds were then allocated to enable the Congolese Red Cross (CRC) to respond to the epidemics. As the National Society was preparing to round up that operation, a new cholera outbreak occurred in Betou and the surrounding villages. From 12 January to date, 57 new cholera cases, including 5 deaths have been registered in Betou. The number of cases is on the rise and there are fears that if rapid action is not taken in Betou, cholera will take a heavier toll on both DRC refugees and the host populations.
Betou is the locality where DRC populations fleeing from interethnic clashes in their country have found refuge since 2009. A project to assist DRC refugees is funded by UNHCR annually and this outbreak is occurring at a time when the agreement for 2012 has not yet been signed between IFRC and UNHCR. Thus, DREF funds are requested to help the National Society provide rapid respond to cholera in Betou district for the benefit of both DRC refugees and the host populations. The response will also extend to surrounding villages such as Boyélé, and Enyélé, which are located some 120 km and 80 km respectively from Betou. At least one case has already been registered in each of these localities since January 2012. Planned activities will be carried out in the area of emergency health and will mainly include training of Red Cross volunteers, sensitization/prevention, identification and referral of cases to health centres, and spraying.
This operation is expected to be implemented over 03 months, and will therefore be completed by May 2012. A Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by August 2012).