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Liberia

Liberia: UNMIL Humanitarian Situation Report No. 140

3 - 16 March 2008

HIGHLIGHTS

- US$28 million needed to address Critical Humanitarian Gaps in Liberia

- Anti-malaria campaign launched in Bomi County

Launch of CHG 2008

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Liberia in collaboration with the Government of Liberia, NGOs and UN agencies, on 11 March 2008 launched the Critical Humanitarian Gaps (CHG) 2008. The CHG 2008 is essentially an analysis of the critical need for basic health services, safe drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene and improvement in food security and nutrition across the country. It estimates that US$ 28 million is required to address these needs within a twelve-month period.

During the official launch of the CHG, both the Ministries of Planning and Economic Affairs and of Public Works praised the CHG as a good example of stakeholder collaboration between the Government, UN and NGOs. The Ministry of Agriculture expressed satisfaction that the food security needs outlined in the CHG 2008 were in line with the food security priority of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare classified the current high maternal and child mortality in Liberia as 'unacceptable' and was pleased that the CHG had outlined a strategy to help address the situation. The Management Steering Group of international NGOs in Liberia also pledged its support to the CHG 2008 and urged a greater role for local NGOs in order to build their capacity.

Anti-malaria programme launched in Tubmanburg

On 14 March, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched a major anti-malaria campaign Tubmanburg, Bomi County with the theme, Working Together to Fight Malaria in Liberia. The campaign, termed the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), is part of U.S. President Bush's support to fighting malaria worldwide. It aims to reduce by 50 percent the number of deaths from malaria in Liberia by reaching 85 percent of the most vulnerable groups including children under five years old and pregnant women.

As part of the campaign, the US Government through USAID will provide anti-malaria drugs, mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic equipment, and will support capacity building and training of relevant agencies. According to USAID, the campaign has already provided 500,000 doses of Artemesinin anti-malaria tablets and is distributing mosquito nets in some parts of the country. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported that malaria causes a quarter of all deaths among children and it is responsible for over a third of outpatient admissions at health facilities across the country. It is confident that the campaign will help Liberia to reach its target of 60 percent insecticide treated net (ITN) coverage for pregnant women and pre-school children.

Regional disaster management project for West Africa

The Liberia National Red Cross and partners announced a new US$1.4 million West Africa Disaster Management Capacity project to be implemented in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The project will help reduce loss of human lives, reduce injuries, and minimize material losses and damage to the environment brought on by accidents and disasters (both natural and manmade).

Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, the project is a collaborative effort among the International Federation of the Red Cross, Swedish Red Cross, Swedish Rescue Services Agency, Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and the Liberia National Red Cross Society. The Nigerian Red Cross is expected to join the programme at a later stage. The project will be implemented over a three-year period, beginning in April 2008.

German Government provides mosquito nets to fight malaria

In furtherance of a pledge made by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel during her visit to Liberia, the Federal Republic of Germany has donated a consignment of 300,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Liberia. On 6 March, the German Ambassador to Liberia officially handed the nets over to the Government of Liberia through the Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

German Agro Action is coordinating the distribution of the nets countrywide, and the National Malaria Control Programme is providing technical support. The nets will be distributed by local and international NGOs and will be concentrated on underserved counties in the southeast of Liberia - Grand Kru (16,500 nets), Grand Gedeh (50,500 nets), River Gee (33,500 nets), Maryland (66,000 nets), Sinoe (36,500 nets) and River Cess (16,500 nets). The balance will go to health facilities across Liberia based on greatest need. UNMIL is assisting in transporting the nets to distribution points across the country.

The preliminary findings of the 2007 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey identified malaria, as one of three major causes of child mortality in Liberia (the others being acute respiratory illnesses and dehydration caused by severe diarrhoea). It found that only 31.3 percent of households in urban areas and 29.9 percent of households in rural areas possess at least one mosquito net.

UNHCR provides housing for extremely vulnerable people in Lofa County

As part of its reintegration programme for returnees, UNHCR on February 29 formally handed over six newly constructed homes to 43 persons in Barkedou and Voinjama in Lofa County. The beneficiaries are returnees classified by UNHCR as extremely vulnerable, and who cannot afford to provide homes for themselves. Each house has three bed rooms, a living room, a porch, and latrine/bathroom facilities. In 2008, UNHCR and its partners plan to distribute 150 shelter kits to returnees in all districts of Lofa County.

"Acceptance Program" for Local Integration launched

On International Women's Day observed on 8 March 2008, UNHCR through its implementing partner, Christian Children's Fund (CCF) and its governmental partner, Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), organized programs at the Banjor Refugee Camp to highlight the significance of the day.

Celebrating under the theme, "Shaping Progress", appropriate programs were held to highlight women and girls' participation in the formulation of policies and activities shaping their lives. Representatives of the VOA and Samukai Refugee Camps joined their compatriots as well as residents of the host community to mark the day with indoor programs, cultural displays, parades and sport events.

CCF also used the occasion to launch its "Acceptance Program" to reflect the local integration project for Sierra Leonean refugees. Diverse speakers from the Government, CCF, and UNHCR urged the refugees to accept local integration opportunities being offered to them. Under this program, the Sierra Leonean refugees will be legally and socially integrated in the society. UNHCR through its partners will provide shelter assistance and improved social services in the health, education, livelihood and water and sanitation sectors within receiving communities.