HIGHLIGHTS
Angola
Angola is currently experiencing its most severe political and humanitarian crisis since the signing of the UN brokered Lusaka protocol peace accord in 1994. Fresh waves of population displacements have aggravated an already precarious food situation in parts of the country. There are estimated to be over 650,000 IDPs and many others have fled the country. Of particular concern are those IDPs in Malanje, Huambo and Kuito where UNITA forces have besieged the cities. Given the extreme insecurity on the country's roads, WFP must currently deliver 80-90% of its aid by air compared to 20% six months ago. In addition, due to the insecurity, the 1999 crop is expected to be sharply below output in recent years.
The Great Lakes region
Insecurity in the Eastern Democratic People's Republic of Congo (DRC) and Congo-Brazzaville has led to a fresh wave of population displacements and has negatively affected food security for many people. In both countries, there are reports of pockets where the nutrition situation is very poor. In Rwanda, the number of IDPs has increased dramatically, although since December approximately half have been gradually resettled into new villages and reports describing their nutritional status suggest that the situation has improved. In Burundi, present indications are of a decreasing number of IDPs and an improving nutritional situation for much of the affected population - this is mainly due to increased stability in the country.
Ethiopia
The border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has resulted in significant internal displacements of people (up to 337,000), together with political expulsions of nationals considered to originate from the other's territory. Reports indicate that the nutritional situation of these IDPs is satisfactory for the moment. However, the Somali-speaking people of south-eastern Ethiopia are experiencing a period of considerable hardship like their Somali neighbours. A recent survey in the in the Dolo wereda of Liban zone indicated a poor food security situation in the district.
Liberia/Sierra Leone region
Deterioration in the security situation of Sierra Leone has led to widespread displacement throughout the country. However as access of the humanitarian organisations to the affected areas is severely restricted, it is difficult to estimate the numbers of people involved and the extent of their deprivation. It is likely that a combination of risk factors renders the population in affected areas highly vulnerable. The situations in Guinea-Conakry, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia are more stable, although recent events in Sierra Leone may alter this.
Somalia
Alarming reports of deteriorating food security have been consistently reported from the southern regions, including Bay and Bakool, as well as areas of Gedo and parts of Hiran since September 1998. The availability of water for livestock and human consumption has become critical in many regions. A recent nutritional assessment in Bay region found a very high proportion of the children were acutely malnourished (defined by MUAC). Furthermore, there is growing concern that the country's largest cereal harvest, due in July, may fail.
Sudan
In 1998, southern Sudan faced its most serious humanitarian crisis in ten years. By the middle of 1998 some areas in northern Bahr El Ghazal (NBEG) reached famine conditions associated with significant loss of human life. In many areas the 1998 harvest was significantly below the level required to sustain the population through the upcoming dry season. In 1999, localised food deficits ranging between 25 and 90 percent are expected in areas of BEG where OLS is operational. There are currently estimated to be 2.6 million people in Sudan who require food assistance.
DPR Korea
A joint Government/UNICEF/WFP/ECHO nutrition survey in DPRK conducted in September/October 1998 found a prevalence of 15.6% acute malnutrition in a survey which was representative of 71% of the population. 62.3% of the children were stunted. WFP has described the situation as "a famine in slow motion".
Kosovo
The current crisis in Kosovo has resulted in widespread displacement of the population. An estimated 240,000 people are displaced within Kosovo itself and up to 200,000 are displaced in other countries and areas in the region. This number may increase after the recent bombings by NATO. Despite the ongoing conflict, the acute nutritional status of children in Kosovo remains within acceptable standards. A province-wide survey conducted in December 1998/ January 1999 found that the prevalence of acute malnutrition was 2.0% and that of severe acute malnutrition was 0.2%.
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