The Central African Republic
Situation highlights
The protracted armed conflict in the Central African Republic has intensified since December, with the Séléka armed coalition overtaking the capital Bangui and culminating in a coup d’état on 24 March. Due to the insecurity since Séléka took control ofthe capital, healthcare delivery to the general population of Bangui is heavily affected.
Wounded patients cannot access health services. There have been reports of widespread looting of healthcare facilities, warehouses and offices (UN Agencies, including WHO; andNGOs).
An assessment earlier in February reported that, over 1.1 million people were affected by the conflict and estimatesthat over 173 000 were internally displaced and there were over 25 000 refugees.
Health needs are critical, as emergency care, mainly in Bangui, is hampered by non‐ functional health facilities according to the initial assessments by health partners(NGOs).
WHO has internally classified the situation in the Central African Republic as a Grade 2 emergency due to the consequences ofthe civil unrest.
The precarioussecurity situation is characterized by:
Limited access to essential healthcare as health workers fleeing violence have left health facilities unable to provide health care
Lack ofmedicines,medicalsupplies and emergencymedical assistance equipment.
A poor disease surveillance system in a context of poor living conditions and a high prevalence of communicable diseases. Scarcity of drinking water, electricity and basic sanitation isincreasing the risk of outbreaks of water‐borne diseases.
Lack of accessfor humanitarian service providers