ReliefWeb

Highlights

• A case of Lassa fever was reported on 28 February 2017 in Borno’s capital Maiduguri.

• UNICEF’s multi-sectoral team conducted a joint mission with WFP to Monguno in the frame of the Rapid Response Mechanism from 20-25 February 2017.

• In Borno, 114 cases of measles were reported in UNICEF supported health facilities across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, mostly among children who had not been vaccinated against measles and new arrivals.

• In 2017 so far, nearly 14,000 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were treated in Borno and Yobe States.

• Emergency Primary Health Care (PHC) services reached 756,300 people in the three most affected States in the Northeast.

• A total of over 18,100 people gained access to safe water.

• Psychosocial support was provided to over 17,800 conflict affected children, while 952 unaccompanied and separated children received specialised support services.

• More than 405,700 children were enrolled and gained access to education in a safe learning environment.

• In 2017, UNICEF is requesting US$ 146.9 million to reach four million people, including 2.1 million children. Funds available amount to US$ 39 million representing a 73 per cent funding gap.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

During the reporting period, 114 cases of measles were reported in UNICEF supported health facilities across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. More than 75% of the cases were reported among children who had not been vaccinated against measles and mostly new arrivals. No death resulting from measles was reported.

A confirmed case of Lassa fever was reported on 28 February 2017 in Borno’s capital Maiduguri. Prior to confirmation, WHO ensured that the index case was isolated in a private ward at the Umaru Shehu Hospital. Since confirmation, the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) supported by WHO has identified 54 contacts with the index case, who will be monitored over the next 21 days. WHO will provide logistics support to the SMOH and Hospital management, including personal protection equipment, and will also train healthcare workers on case management, contact tracing, and community sensitization. A Task Force was established and daily meetings are taking place under the SMOH leadership with the technical expertise of WHO and other relevant agencies. UNICEF has started social mobilization efforts and awareness sessions in key locations which are still underway. So far, in collaboration with SMOH and WHO, two Lassa Viral Hemorrhagic Fever orientation sessions were conducted for a total of 400 persons comprising of VCMs, VWS, Bulamas, representatives of youth organizations, religious leaders, women leaders, Youth Vanguard and members of the CJTF (Civilian Joint Task Force) from Madinatu community and Zabarmari settlement.

The overall security situation remains volatile, with continued attacks and ambushes by the Boko Haram insurgents and ongoing military operations in Ngala, Nganzai, Chibok, Damboa, and Monguno LGAs in Borno State, and in Yunusari and Gubja LGAs in Yobe State. As a result, various areas are difficult to access by humanitarian staff; movement restrictions are significantly hampering UNICEF and humanitarian partners’ response in these areas.