General Context
Pandemic H1N1: The number of confirmed cases and countries affected is rapidly increasing in our Region. As of 13th of July 2009, a total of 116 confirmed cases without death were reported from 11 countries. AFRO maintains its call to the member states to intensify surveillance.
Floods: We have started 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.
Country Situations
Acute Crises
Benin: There is a temporary stop of the rains that hit the country, displaced about 2,000 families and destroyed several farms. The level of water has slightly subsided in some areas of Cotonou and Porto Novo. The main concern remains the issues of sanitation and water born diseases. Rains are now moving to the North of the country followed by heavy winds which are destroying houses and schools in many communities. WHO is supporting the coordination of the health response and donated 1 emergency kit.
CAR: Unstable security situation in Birao (North- East) where tension remains between Kara and Goula ethnic groups. Some displaced people (Kara) are slowly returning to their homes. People displaced by the last rains and floods are still seeking assistance. The rains have temporarily stopped. WHO donated 2 emergency kits to support the health centers.
Chad: Continued banditry attacks on the humanitarian workers in the East marked by robberies and car hijacking. Meningitis outbreak is still ongoing in eastern Chad with 4 suspected cases without death reported in week 27. From week 1 to 27 of 2009, a total of 71 suspected cases with 6 deaths (CFR: 8.4%) have been reported in the 8 districts of eastern Chad. Measles: 31 suspected cases were reported in eastern Chad in week 27 bringing the cumulative total to 1,125 cases with 11 deaths from week 1 to 27*.
DRC: The military operations aimed at dismantling the rebels activities in the East is raising concern among the humanitarian community because of its humanitarian consequences on civilians. The wave of retaliation attacks from the FDLR and LRA rebels are increasing with new displacements of the population. In the month of June alone, estimated 100,000 people have been displaced**. Cholera: In South Kivu, 100 new cases with 1 death were reported in week 27 making a cumulative total of 3,880 cases with 32 deaths (CFR: 0.8%) from week 1 to 27*.
Ethiopia: The nutritional situation in the districts of Somali Region is generally considered as either serious or critical, with Global Acute Malnutrition ranging from 14.5 to 21.9% and Severe Acute Malnutrition from 0.8 to 2.3%. The report cites a number of factors aggravating the situation, including acute water shortages, low access to safe water, sub-optimal immunization coverage, high childhood morbidity and dependence on relief food. Influenza A H1N1, a total of 4 confirmed cases have been reported so far. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, 567 new cases of AWD and 5 deaths have been reported from Afar, Somali, Oromiya, Harari and SNNP Regions last week. A cumulative total of 1,876 AWD cases and 34 deaths (CFR 1.9%) have been reported from 8th June to 5th July 2009. A total of 23 districts have reported active cases*.
Kenya: The security situation across the country was generally calm but the numerous inter ethnic, cattle rustling and other resource based (mainly water and pasture) conflicts across the northern parts of Kenya continues. Dadaab refugee camps continue to experience a continuous influx of new refugees from Somalia with more than 40,000 new arrivals, 36,000 from Somalia registered this year. Influenza A H1N1: A cumulative total of 22 Influenza laboratory confirmed cases have been reported by the National authorities with no deaths as of 13th July 2009. Cholera outbreak has cumulatively affected 32 districts nationwide with a total of 4,185 cases, 90 deaths (CFR: .2%) since January 2009*. WHO is appealing for USD 877,000 to respond to the needs of the host communities hosting the refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma.
Niger: Tension remains high since the dissolution of the constitutional court by the President on the 29th of June 2009 with plans to hold a referendum on August fourth . Malnutrition and current epidemics: (No update received).
Countries Under Surveillance
Angola: Cholera epidemic: During week 27, three provinces reported a total of 23 cases without death. Since the beginning of the year 2009, the total cumulative cases, country wide, is 1,153 cases and 32 deaths (CFR: 2.8%)*.
Mozambique: The surveillance has been strengthened for the Outbreak of unknown disease started on 24th of June 2009 in Tsangano district in Tete province bordering Neno district of Malawi and considered to be Viral Meningoencephalitis. A total of 103 cases and 14 deaths (CFR: 13.6%) were reported as of 3rd July 2009*.
Nigeria: Insecurity in the Delta: With access to Nigeria's Delta creeks still restricted, the extent of the impact of military operations on Delta residents remains unclear. Niger Delta residents who fled are still unable to return to their homes
. The main militant group MEND has declared a 60 days truce following the release of its leader by the Government. Meningitis outbreak: No update received.Togo:Temporary decrease of the rains that caused floods in Lomé and displaced about 7,500 people in June 2009. The Government assisted by partners including WHO are revising the preparedness plan and taking steps for the response. WHO also donated 1 emergency kit.
Zimbabwe: Cholera outbreak is under control in all the provinces. Only 1 new case has been reported in one week. A total of 98,592 cases and 4,288 deaths (CFR: 4.3%) have been reported as of 13h of July 2009*.
Pandemic H1N1 in the WHO African Region: The number of confirmed cases and countries affected is rapidly increasing in our region. 116 confirmed cases in 11 countries (Algeria- 7, Cape Verde-3, Cote d'Ivoire-2, Ethiopia-3, Kenya-22, Mauritius-1, Seychelles-1, South Africa-70, Uganda-5, Tanzania-1 and Botswana- 1) have been reported as of 13th of July 2009. No death has been reported*.
Map - Africa: Weekly Emergency Situation Update (06 - 19 Jul 2009)