Date: 30 Mar 2008
Health Action in Crises – Highlights No. 201 – 24 to 30 Mar 2008
Each week, the World Health Organization Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on critical health-related activities in countries where there are humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and headquarters. The mandate of the WHO departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.
KENYA
Assessments and Events
– Humanitarian needs are expected to continue during the upcoming period of return and re-integration of the IDPs.
– An estimated 300 000 IDPS are still in camps and twice as many are residing in host communities. Camps are congested and the quality of water, shelter and sanitation has fallen below international standards.
– The return of a number of IDPs to their provinces of origin will increase the pressure on infrastructures, even in areas unaffected by the violence, and stretch further humanitarian operations.
– The already fragile health care system was seriously weakened by the crisis and is only partially functioning. Many health facilities remain closed. Many displaced health workers have not and may not return to their posts. Patients suffering from chronic diseases have lost access to treatment.
– In the North Eastern province, the cholera outbreak in Mandera district continues, with 323 cases and 11 deaths reported as of 13 March.
– As of the same date, 204 cases of cholera and 16 deaths had also been reported in Nyanza province.
– Improving coordination and information management, identifying and filling gaps, reinforcing disease surveillance and providing psychosocial support remain crucial. Other key interventions include access to primary health care and curative and referral care services for IDP and host communities.
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