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.
CHAD
Assessments and Events
- Fighting is ongoing in Ndjamena. Refugees are crossing into adjacent Cameroon. All UN non-essential staff have been evacuated.
- In Abeche, the situation is calm but very tense and all non-essential staff are ready for evacuation. Adre is reportedly under attack.
- Overall, 47 cases of meningitis and four deaths were notified between 8 October and 27 January. The latest case was reported last week in Farchana camp near Adré. So far, no district has reached the epidemic threshold. Case confirmation remains a problem as lumbar punctures are not systematic.
- Since 1 January, 1300 cases of acute respiratory syndrome have been reported in the east. The number of cases notified in Oure Cassoni camp has risen from 162 between 14 and 20 January to 449 between 21 and 27 January.
- From 1 December to 13 January, 73 cases of whooping cough were reported in the resident communities surrounding Gaga camp. More than 60% of the cases occurred in not immunized children. In the camp itself the vaccination coverage is at 90% thanks to IMC's health care management.
- The departure of MSF-Hollande from Bredjing and that of MSF-Spain from Sarafaye, Tinaye and Am sieb sites in Amdam health district need to be tackled.
Actions
- The Health Cluster has prepared a plan for the upcoming meningitis epidemic season and discussed the response to the whooping-cough. A mass vaccination campaign for children under five has been decided and will be funded by UNICEF.
- WHO met with UNFPA to discuss greater participation in the coordination of SGV activities in eastern Chad.
- Supplementary vaccinations against polio were conducted in Abéché on 26 to 28 January. WHO is part of the regional coordination committee.
- In the southern Moundou district, WHO supported the MoH's investigation of suspected cases of meningitis by providing 20 trans-isolate media for transport.
- WHO continues coordinating with ICRC the provision of essential drugs and supplies to health facilities in IDP-hosting areas in the district of Adré
- In 2007, WHO's activities in eastern Chad were funded by Italy, ECHO and the CERF.