Highlights
Kenya - Drought emergency declared in 26 districts -The president of Kenya declared the current drought a "national disaster" and appealed for relief food assistance. Early cessation of rains in May has led to the wilting of crops and insufficient replenishment of pastures. Twenty-six of the 71 districts of Kenya are affected and 1.8 million people are considered in need of food aid. The most vulnerable households are found in Eastern province, Coastal province and in pastoral areas.
Somalia - Poor performance of the Gu season and increase in food insecurity - The 2004 Gu cereal production is expected to be one of the three worst crops since 1995. Overall, the performance of the 2004 Gu season will be only 75% of the post-war average and 80% of the 2003 production. The highest deficits are recorded in Bakol, Lower Juba and Middle Juba. This will lead to food insecurity in south Somalia, in addition to the dire situation experienced in north and central Somalia for more than a year.
Sudan - Dire situation in Darfur and situation of concern in Southern Sudan - Most of the assessment reports highlight the poor living conditions in the IDP camps and gatherings in Darfur, with a lack of adequate shelters, insufficient access to clean water, health care and sanitation. Although health care coverage has improved from 45-50% in May to 69% in July, it remains a serious concern. An outbreak of hepatitis E affected 2431 people and killed 41 between 22 May and 20 August 2004. Around 1.2 million people are estimated in need of food aid. There were 20 TFCs caring for 4,820 children and 24 SFPs where about 18,000 had been admitted as of end July 2004. A greater capacity for the care of malnourished children is needed. Blanket supplementary feeding programmes will also be implemented.
Protection is a major issue; civilians, including IDPs, being targeted by violence.
In Southern Sudan, the performance of the crop production is expected to vary depending on the area owing to drought in June-July, mitigated by good rains in August in some areas. In addition, insecurity, chronic food insecurity and the return of IDPs contribute to the precariousness of the situation.
Chad- Appalling nutrition situation among the refugees in three northern camps and among the resident population- A nutrition survey was conducted in three camps, which were considered the most vulnerable (Irisimi, Touloum and Kounoungo) and an assessment was carried out in the Chadian villages surrounding the camps. The results showed dramatically high prevalence of acute malnutrition among both populations. Mobilisation of resources towards the refugee and the Chadian population is crucial for avoiding the crisis deteriorating.
Ivory Coast-Contrasted nutrition situation - Eight nutrition surveys were conducted throughout the country between November 2003 and February 2004.
In all the regions, acute malnutrition seemed higher in rural areas than in urban areas. The highest prevalence of acute malnutrition was recorded in the north of the country, especially in rural areas, where the rates of malnutrition were of concern. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was average in the south and in the rural areas of the centre, and was under-control in the urban areas of the centre and the west. Severe acute malnutrition was especially high in rural areas of the north, north-east and west of the country.
Colombia-Food insecurity and micro-nutrient deficiencies- Colombia has been experiencing 40 years of civil unrest, which has led to the displacement of several thousands of people inside the country and in nearby countries. As of June 2004, 61% of the resident families and 88% of the displaced families in Puerto Asis municipality, Putumayo department earned less than the national minimum wage. Anaemia was found to be a problem of high significance in children.
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