General Context
The number of confirmed cases of the pandemic Influenza A H1N1 is still increasing in our Region. As of 07th of July 2009, a total of 63 cases without death have been confirmed in eight countries. AFRO maintains its call to the member states for more vigilance on surveillance. The Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe is under control. We will be monitoring the floods in West Africa countries as we enter the rainy season. Other outbreaks of diseases notably meningitis in the meningitis belt is ongoing.
Countries Situations
Acute crises
Benin: Floods hit the south of the country. An estimate of about 396,760 people have been affected in Cotonou. The Government has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid to prevent epidemics*.
CAR: Worsening of the security situation in Birao (North-East) following attacks by an armed group on the 4th of July 2009 and stealing livestock. There is heightening of the ethnic clashes between Goula and Kara in the prefecture of Vakaga with displacement of the population. About 3,000 are displaced in Birao, and 4,000 other in the surrounding areas. Heavy rains and floods continue in Bangui, about 10,813 people are now homeless after the destruction of 1,524 houses according to a rapid assessment done by the Red Cross. Many actions are being taken by WHO and other partners to respond to the needs of displaced people from the ethnic clashes and the floods.
Chad: This week the security situation
is generally calm but characterized by frequent banditry activities on
the roads. Meningitis outbreak still ongoing: 2 suspected cases without
death were reported in week 26 in eastern Chad. From week 1 to 26 of 2009,
a total of 62 suspected cases with 6 deaths (CFR: 9.6%) have been reported
in the 8 districts of eastern Chad.
Measles: 23 suspected cases were reported in eastern Chad in week 26 bringing
the cumulative total to 1,086 cases with 8 deaths from week 1 to 26*.
DRC: North Kivu: There is ongoing insecurity with clashes between the FDLR rebels and the FARDC (National Army) on the 27th of June 2009, in Kisheguru (Rutshuru territory) during which 25 houses have been burnt down. Another attack was launched by the FDLR on the 29th of June 2009 in Kaseghe, North of Kanyabayonga. South Kivu: Civilians were attacked by FDLR in Kibanda and Bitale on the 22nd and 26th of June 2009. Cholera: cases continue to increase in South Kivu with 68 new cases without death reported in week 26. From week 1 to 26 a total of 3,780 cases with 31 deaths (CFR: 0.8%) were reported. WHO is supporting the rehabilitation of the Cholera Treatment Center for a better case management*.
Ethiopia: According to a national needs assessment, the food security situation in producing areas is of concern. The 2009 crop production is below average, indicating approximately 70 to 90 per cent loss in some areas. Water and livestock feed supply shortages are reported in most lowland district. WFP also reports that poor performance of crops and livestock condition have contributed to deteriorated food security situation in most areas in East and West Hararghe zones. AWD: According to the Federal Ministry of Health, 589 new cases of Acute Watery Diarrheoa with 9 deaths have been reported from Somali, Oromiya and SNNP Regions last week. A total of 19 districts have reported active cases in week 26. A cumulative total of 2,093 AWD cases and 56 deaths (CFR 2.7%) have been reported from 1st to 28th June 2009*.
Kenya: Influenza A H1N1: Since first confirmed cases was reported on 29th of June 2009, a total of 21 cases have been confirmed and over 70 suspected cases (close contacts) being investigated as of July 8th. The outbreak of cholera (no updated): cumulatively total of 4,128 cases and 86 deaths (CFR: 2.1 %=B0) since January 2009*.
Niger: Tension remains high since the dissolution of the constitutional court by the President on the 29th of June 2009. There is planning to hold a referendum for a new constitution. Malnutrition and current epidemics: (No update received).
MAP: Africa Weekly Emergancy Situation Update (06 - 12 Jul 2009)