Highlights
A nutritional survey conducted in February to March 2014 enabled the identification of 327 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition in the refugee camps.
The same survey reveals that the prevalence of acute malnutrition is low in Mentao and Sag-Nioniogo refugee camps (5.5% and 3.4% respectively) as compared with 10.6% prevalence in Goudebou. The situation in Mentao and Sag-Nioniogo camps is relatively stable compared with data of the first survey in 2013. The reduction of acute malnutrition is very significant in the camp Goudebou: from 24.5% in early 2013 to 10.6% in 2014.
The cholera prevention project ended in late April 2014. In total, 61,188 people were sensitized (9,589 households-with 13,966 children under 5) on how to protect themselves against cholera and on the use of hygiene kits. The rehabilitation of 39 water points has been completed, providing access to safe drinking water to concerned communities. An evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices following the project showed that 71% of the respondents were able to cite at least three cholera preventive measures. A new cholera prevention project, to reach more villages before and during the rainy season, is being planned in the Sahel region.
As of end April 2014, some 32,699 refugees are reported by UNHCR Registration Section, of which 18,240 are children (49% girls) with a total of 1,381 separated children (53% girls) and 0 unaccompanied children in camps.
From January to February 2014, UNICEF’s continued support provides access to quality education for 12,243 children and adolescents in refugee camps and surrounding host communities. With the interruption of the school feeding programme by WFP owing to lack of funds many parents have chosen to keep their children at home, hence the overall (20%) reduction in the number of children reached.
