Highlights
Despite the abundant rainy season and avoidance of a humanitarian catastrophe thanks to the combined emergency response of the Government supported by the humanitarian community with the assistance of donors and technical and financial partners, there is still a need to tackle significant levels of global acute and chronic malnutrition among children.
Analysis of malnutrition trends suggests that coping mechanisms of communities need to be reinforced to respond to recurrent and multiple shocks. Building resilience is a priority.
From January to September 2012, a total of 7,918 children under-five suffering from severe acute malnutrition were admitted within public health facilities run by the Ministry of Health and supported by UNICEF and partners across the country. This represents 63% of the expected annual case load of 12,600.
The number of Malian refugees in Mauritania is now at 108,953. In coordination with UNHCR, the Government, UN agencies and NGOs, UNICEF continues to support a set of actions in the areas of Nutrition, WASH, Health, Education, and Child Protection. Preparations for the start of the school year are under way.
Planning for the 2013 inter-agency Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) took place in October. Key priorities for 2013 include emergency support to households that remain vulnerable to malnutrition; building resilience; and responding to the Mali crisis.
Global Hand-washing day events on the 15th October focussed on vulnerable areas, populations and pupils in schools. The messages reached over 4,500 schools and over 200,000 people through the media. The event also took place in the Mbera refugee camp and the host communities. In Nouakchott health centres, 1,000 hand-washing kits were distributed to mothers who had benefited from hygiene promotion sessions.
The nation-wide polio eradication campaign including the refugees and host communities run by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and WHO started last week for a period of 3 days, with assistance from all actors engaged in the humanitarian response.
