Liberia - [DHA-89: 30.Oct-12.Nov.97]
Liberia - [DHA-89: 30.Oct-12.Nov.97]
LIBERIA HUMANITARIAN SITUATION REPORT
Period covered: 30 October - 12 November - No. 89
The information contained in this report was provided by the Office of
the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Liberia
HIGHLIGHTS: A National Health Planning Conference, designed to work out
strategies for improving Liberia's health care delivery system, was held
3-7 November. Objectives of the conference included: reviewing health
care policies and strategies, strengthening health care delivery
services, management and organisation, developing and maintaining human
resources, ensuring the availability of drugs and medical supplies, and,
identifying alternative and complementary sources of health care
financing. Decisions taken at the conference included: revision of
public health laws, restructuring of the Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare, strengthening of professional boards, development of health
policy, and, development of NGO policy guidelines.
REFUGEES: On 7 November, a consignment of 1,175 pieces of collapsible
jerry cans were supplied by the Liberian National Red Cross Society
(LNRCS) to vulnerable refugees in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County.
Additional non-food items distributed included:
Blankets Soap Slippers T-shirts Trousers Biscuits
5 bales 30 cartons 735 735 518 23 cartons
Construction of shelter units in Sinje is ongoing. Refugees constructing
individual shelter units received 8,250 pieces of building sticks from
the LNRCS during the reporting period. This brings to 74,930 the total
number of building sticks distributed to the refugees since the start of
the shelter programme. Food was lifted during the first week of November
for 7,118 refugees at various shelters in Monrovia as well as 9,288
residents at an IDP shelter in Bong County. The food was distributed
through three of the World Food Programme's (WFP), implementing
partners, Liberia Islamic Union for Reconstruction and Development
(LIURD), Concerned Christian Community (CCC), and Lutheran World
Federation/World Service (LWF/WS).
REPATRIATION AND RESETTLEMENT: A series of meetings involving the LNRCS,
have started at WFP to plan re-registration exercises in camps in
Montserrado County to facilitate the resettlement of IDPs to their
original localities. The five-day re-registration exercise, which is
slated to commence 12 November, includes all WFP implementing agencies,
some international organisations and the Government. A workshop to
familiarise participating monitors, including 15 monitors from the
LNRCS, was conducted on 11 November.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Nutrition Assessment: Two relief teams organised by the LNRCS visited
Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties, to carry out needs assessments and
conduct evaluations of the last relief items distributed to vulnerable
returnees.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carried out selective monitoring of all
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres under its Vulnerable Group
Feeding (VGF) Programmes. CRS discovered that the number of
beneficiaries is slightly increasing. This is due to infrequent
distribution of food rations at IDPs centre. Some IDPs appear to be
attending the MCH as a means of receiving food. However, an analysis of
MCH reports for the month of October showed that the reports are being
submitted on time and the MCH centres are properly accounting for the
food commodities they receive from CRS.
Enhanced Food Security: The preparation of the Special Programme for
Food Security (SPFS) by the Ministry of Agriculture, assisted by the
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is progressing in accordance
with the established schedule. A national workshop will be held towards
the end of November to review the SPFS which is being drafted by a
10-member National Technical Committee. Already, a 21-member Steering
Committee for the project has been established, with the Ministers of
Agriculture, and Planning and Economic Affairs serving as Acting
Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively.
New Projects: CRS is to develop its concept paper, -Sensitising and
Assisting Women under Difficult Circumstances,- into a pilot project
document for possible implementation. And, in collaboration with four
local peace-building and human rights advocacy organisations, CRS is
finalising a Justice and Peace Programme Proposal.
Verification Survey: A log verification exercise was carried out by CRS
in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, during the reporting period.
Immediately following this exercise, a shelter food distribution ensued
with 4,936 persons receiving 65 MTs of assorted food commodities.
Food Assessments: On account of a large number of cases of malnutrition
noticed in the Tappita district, a proposal for the supply of food
commodities for a total number of 200 beneficiaries at the World Vision
International (WVI) Therapeutic Feeding Centre and 800 beneficiaries at
its Supplementary Feeding Centre was sent to WFP by WVI for approval.
During the period, a total number of 528 beneficiaries received dry
take-home rations at the Supplementary Feeding Centre in Tappita. But
the bad road conditions have hampered operations in Tappita, as a result
of which the feeding centre has not been able to function since the
first week of November.
Food Distributions:
WFP food distributions from 30 October to 12 November include:
a. Emergency School Feeding:
2, 658 MTs for 286,764beneficiaries
b. Food for Work /FFT/FFL:
280.8 MTs for 6,226 beneficiaries
c. IDPs/Refugees:
1,472.6 MTs for 222,902 beneficiaries
d. Vulnerable Group Feeding:
2,281.4 MTs for 33,828 beneficiaries
e. Emergency Rations for Returnees:
13.5 MTs for 980 beneficiaries
f. Propositioning
403.6 MTs
CRS food distributions from 1-14 November, include:
a. Food for Work
106 MTs for 1,338 beneficiaries
b. Vulnerable Group Feeding
75 MTs for 9,534 beneficiaries
c. IDPs:
66 MTs for 4,982 beneficiaries
WVI food distributions from 16 October to 12 November include:
a. School Feeding 1.260 MTs
b. Food for Work 68.189 MTs
c. Vulnerable Group Feeding 7.808 MTs
d. Special projects 69.856 MTs
Stock Balances: The WFP stock balance as of 11 November is 7,532.2 MTs
of assorted food commodities. The CRS stock balance as of 12 November is
15,710.3 MTs of assorted food commodities.
AGRICULTURE
Assessments: CRS field staff are involved in major agricultural planning
and construction activities in Phebe, Bong County. Other CRS field staff
are carrying out rice yield checks in 57 districts in Nimba, Lofa and
Bong Counties.Staff members and a government counterpart serving on an
FAO project funded by Sweden, for the -Emergency Supply of Essential
Tools to Vulnerable Farmers in Liberia,- have embarked on a farmers'
needs assessment mission to rural Liberia. Distribution plans for
project inputs are expected to be formulated following completion of the
mission. Meanwhile, the first consignment of inputs procured locally
under the project, has been delivered to FAO. The final consignment is
expected to be delivered in early December.
Workshops: An international consultant fielded under the FAO/UN-DHA
project, -Emergency Rehabilitation and Apprenticeship Training of Rural
Blacksmiths in Liberia,- has arrived in Monrovia. He will conduct
training of trainer workshops and provide managerial consultancy to the
project's implementing partners. The consultant will also design
fabrication prototypes of simple, hand-operated tool/implements, and
develop a training manual for blacksmiths.
Seeds and Tools: Seed rice imported by FAO is now available and will be
distributed as soon as NGOs identify areas for its usage, followed by
verification by FAO. A needs assessment exercise is underway by CRS for
the determination of farm input needs for 1998. Farm yield assessments
have been completed in Bong and Nimba Counties, and a report from the
exercise is being compiled and should be completed soon. The farm yield
assessment exercise continues in Lofa County.
At the Foya, Kolahun and Vahun project sites in Lofa County, harvesting
of three rice varieties is currently in progress. A total area of about
17 acres are currently being harvested for onward distribution to
farmers and refugees returning from Sierra Leone who are engaged in
small-scale farming. In preparation for the summer farming season,
nurseries are being prepared for planting of vegetables which will
include pepper, bitter balls, cucumber, watermelon and eggplant. Four
nursery beds were prepared for the testing of twelve lowland rice
varieties for tolerance of iron toxicity under the collaborative project
undertaken by WVI at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI)
in Suakoko, Bong County. Sample harvests of 13 cassava accessions
brought in from Sierra Leone took place during the week. A total of 86.4
kgs was harvested six months after sowing. Yield results showed that 5
of the 13 accessions out-yielded the check variety (CARICASS-1) in the
range of 23-38 percent. And, 252.5m/sq of soya beans under
multiplication were also harvested with a yield of 3.00 kg per pod was
obtained. Also, 20 varieties of cowpeas (beans)and assorted vegetables
harvested are currently being processed for onward distribution to
farmers. During visits conducted to 25 farmer's fields, nine
demonstration fields and 16 multiplication fields, a quantity of 6,000
kgs of seed rice and assorted vegetables seeds were released to farmers
for the planting season.
Procurement: CRS has purchased a total of sixty pigs from Ivory Coast
and brought them to Baker Farm where they are being quarantined before
being distributed to various centres for multiplication. Goats are also
being purchased by the CRS Agriculture Manager in the Ivory Coast to be
transported to Liberia.
Continuing Activities: CRS has received funding from the US Overseas
Fund for Development Activities (OFDA) for a USD 11,951 Material Support
Project being implemented by the Liberia Credit Union National
Association (LCUNA). A Memorandum of Understanding between CRS and LCUNA
for the project, has been initiated by the project staff. Also, during
the period, carpentry and masonry tools were purchased for
reconstruction projects in Salayea and Zorzor Districts.
Food for Work activities by communities in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong,
Bassa, Nimba and Lofa Counties continue. The activities, mostly
involving the rehabilitation of feeder roads, are being implemented by
community groups and their counterparts. Seven rice mill shelters are
being built in seven districts of Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties by
counterparts of CRS.
HEALTH
Health Programmes: During the period under review, health facilities
operated by WVI in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh and Lower Nimba
Counties reported treating a total of 4,960 patients. Of this number, a
total of 516 pregnant women sought prenatal care. 15 births were
reported from health facilities in Toweh Town, Zahnzayee, Kwendin,
Zoulay and Madina.Overall attendance is on the increase in all SCF (UK)
supported health clinics. In Kakata, Margibi County, the monthly clinic
attendance was recorded at 1,600 with an average of 130 pregnant women
seen each week, indicating a steady rise in attendance of 20 percent.
The medical unit of the LNRCS held a one day clinic for 20 mothers at
Saclepea, Nimba County on 30 October. During the period under review,
the main central diagnostic laboratory at the LNRCS Headquarters carried
out 2,210 tests for patients attending the clinic. UNICEF has provided a
4-wheel drive pickup to the Bomi County Health Team to enhance the
monitoring and supervision of revitalised health facilities in the
Western Region.
Workshops: UNICEF, in collaboration with the National NGO, Children's
Assistance Program, conducted a 10-day psycho-social intervention,
including a one-week workshop on -Advanced Training for Counselors.- The
one-week workshop trained 40 counselors and social workers in leadership
and technical skills with the objective of transferring these skills to
children in schools. At the end of the workshop, the participants were
each given a booklet on -Guidelines for Trauma Advisors,- to be used as
reference material.
Health Education: SCF (UK) has begun a health education programme for
local schools in Bong County, focusing on sexual health, the prevention
of HIV/AIDS, and unwanted teenage pregnancy. Hygiene/health education
sessions were held through drama and visual aids at the 72nd displaced
shelter in Paynesville, Monrovia, under the UNICEF/COHDA (Community
Human Development Agency) shelter project. Issues dealt with included
personal hygiene and the danger of street food. A general clean-up
campaign was carried out by residents and sanitation workers.
Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI): There have been reports of a
measles outbreak in Fasama, Lower Lofa County with a suspected 14 deaths
reported. Access to the area has been problematic but a joint assessment
team comprising SCF (UK), Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is currently en route
to assess the situation and carry out a possible vaccination campaign.
WVI has conducted vaccination activities in Nimba County. Regular EPI
activities were also carried out by WVI at the Madina and Government
Farm clinics as well as the Zwedru Health Centre. Overall 2,270
beneficiaries were vaccinated for BCG, POV, TT, DPT, and Measles.
Revitalisation of Health Clinics: UNICEF has held discussions with 9
County Health Officers, the Deputy Minister of Health, and the Chief
Medical Officer to develop guidelines for the allocation/distribution of
Fees for Services collected at various revitalised clinics.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY
UN-HACO initiatives included: the publication and wide-spread
distribution of the 34th issue of The Liberian Humanitarian Community
Newsletter, featuring articles on: Tuberculosis symptoms and preventive
measures, a profile of LIURD, Universal Children's Day, a profile of
Oxfam, and a feature on the ICRC humanitarian compact disc, -So, Why?-,
featuring popular African musicians. 2,000 poster-size copies of The
Newsletter were distributed throughout Monrovia via The Inquirer
newspaper as well as being distributed to all national media and all
members of the Humanitarian Community. Work continues on the UN-HACO
produced civic education booklets, Kukujumuku issues 10 and 11, which
will feature Refugee Repatriation and HIV/AIDS as topics of discussion.
The Liberian Humanitarian Community Radio Report continues to be
broadcast twice daily, throughout Liberia on shortwave, by UN-HACO on
national radio ELBC. The Report featured the music of the new ICRC
compact disc, -So, Why?-, featuring African musicians, as well as
updates on humanitarian activities and discussions of various
humanitarian issues. Excerpts from the Radio Report are also broadcast
on Star Radio (also broadcasting on shortwave) and Radio Veritas.
UN-HACO continues to issue press releases updating humanitarian
activities on behalf of the Humanitarian Community which are published
and broadcast in various Liberian radio and print media.
Roads and Bridges: With the arrival of the dry season, there is now
considerable improvement in the general condition of major, as well as
farm-to-market, roads in the country. The Voinjama-Zorzor highway which
was inaccessible for a long period due to heavy rains, has now reopened
to traffic. However, it is noted that passage along the route for
effective humanitarian delivery remains very difficult.
WFP has approved FFW rations for 46 workers for 15 days to enable
workers to complete construction of a bridge project being implemented
by Concern in Weajor Town, Bomi County. The food represents an extension
of the original WFP commitment to the project, following a delay in the
project's implementation due to the late delivery of steel beams needed
for the construction. WFP has also provided a second month's FFW support
to 300 workers engaged in maintaining the road at the Gbarnga-Borkeza
Junction in Lofa County.
Joint Projects: UNICEF is discussing with the Ministry of Planning and
the Centre for Democratic Empowerment, the holding of a National
Conference on Children in mid-December. The opening of the Conference
will coincide with the launching of the State of the World's Children
Report in Liberia.WFP visited the Liberian Girl Guides Association to
follow up on 41 women graduates of the training programme, for which WFP
has been providing Food for Training assistance. The women were the
first graduates of the four-month training program, which taught skills
in soap-making, tie-dying, literacy, horticulture and the construction
of energy-efficient wood stoves. WFP has facilitated the group's contact
with the UN Trickle-Up Programme, which provides small loans to
micro-enterprises. As the first graduates move on, WFP plans to continue
to provide food support for the Association's proposal for a second
training programme.
Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation of five schools by Tear Fund in
Salayea and Zorzor districts, Lofa County has been completed, while the
rehabilitation of the Salayea Public School has commenced. FFW was
approved for October for 368 sanitation workers involved in the UNICEF
Shelter Hygiene and Environmental Sanitation Maintenance Project. The
project, implemented by COHDA, involves large-scale clean-up campaigns,
digging of garbage pits, construction of latrines, regular maintenance
of wells and latrines, and hygiene and health education training
sessions.
WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION
Wells, Pumps and Latrines: In cooperation with the Ministry of Planning
and Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry
of Lands, Mines and Energy, a number of international and local NGOs
continue to build, install and chlorinate wells and pumps as well as to
build and desludge latrines in communities and IDP centres throughout
the country. They include: UNICEF, LWF/LWS, ACF, Oxfam, Tear Fund,
LNRCS, Concern, Help Our People Exist (HOPE), Lifewater Liberia,
Gbonowolon Water and Sanitation, Inc. (GWSI), Water and Sanitation, Inc.
(WSI), the Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (WESA), Men United
to Save Humanity (MUSH), and, Liberians United to Save Humanity (LUSH).
Garbage Collection: Under the UNICEF/SCF(UK) Emergency Garbage
Collection and Disposal Project in Monrovia, a total of 934 cubic yards
of waste were removed during the two-week period.
Children and Education: The distribution of educational supplies are
being carried out by the national NGO, Church Related Educational and
Development Organisation (CREDO). Three hundred elementary schools in
Central Monrovia, Bushrod Island, and Sinkor have received educational
materials. Distribution is also being carried out in the Congo
Town/Paynesville areas. The CRS assessment and collection of basic
school data (i.e., name, location, number of students, etc.) continued
in Kakata and Bong Mines. Information gathered will be used for the
education support programme and it will form part of a CRS educational
support database. An assessment by UNICEF to determine the number of
schools in Grand Bassa County to receive educational supplies, is partly
completed. Reports have been submitted for schools in Buchanan and
surrounding areas, and the St. John River District. With the onset of
the dry-season, the assessment process will be accelerated.
Child Development: The Orthopaedic Technologist of UNICEF ended his
mission on 31 October after preparing the supply list based on the size
of the orthopaedic workshop and the estimated statistics of the types
and quantity of needed countrywide. He also submitted an end of mission
report which will be used for the implementation of the community-based
rehabilitation programme.
Activities Involving War Affected Youth: UNICEF and the Calvary Chapel -
St. Joseph Brethren, signed an agreement for the extension of the
project for the reintegration of war affected youths after the
rehabilitation process. Two other homes have been opened in Buchanan and
Rivercess.
Security: The deadline provided by the government for marketers in
Monrovia, mainly in the Duala, Waterside and Red Light markets, to clear
their stalls from the roadsides passed on 1 November. Marketers have had
a number of disputes with the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), over
market locations and days of operation. On 2 November, carrying out a
3-month warning order to clear the area, MCC personnel tore down market
stalls at the Vai Town approach to the Waterside Bridge. On 4 November,
marketers staged demonstrations in from of Monrovia City Hall and
marched in protest into town. Limited violence occurred and it was noted
that a number of the protesters were ex-combatants. Similar plans are
underway for the Duala Market, west of the city centre, however
authorities are providing an alternate, more suitable site, in nearby
Virginia. Furthermore, MCC has agreed to extend the market-clearing
deadline until 31 December in order to allow time for marketers to clear
their areas.
This report is available on the internet through RELIEFWEB:
http://www.reliefweb.int
Mr. Peter Tingwa Officer in Charge
Office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator Monrovia, Liberia
Tel.: (231) 226 041/042 - Fax: (874) 175 46 27 (sat.)
Inter-Agency Support Branch (IASB) Geneva
Mr. David Bassiouni - Chief
Ms. Shahwar Pataudi
Tel.: (41 22) 788.1403 - Fax: (41 22) 788.6386
Registry E-Mail: Rosemary.Addo-Yirenkyi@dha.unicc.org
Complex Emergencies Division (CED) New York
Ms. Agnes Asekenye-Oonyu
Tel.: (1 212) 963.1773 - Fax: (1 212) 963.1388
E-Mail: asekenye-oonyu@un.org
Press to contact (DHA-Geneva)
Ms. Madeleine Moulin-Acevedo
Tel.: (41 22) 917.2856 - Fax: (41 22) 917.0023
Telex: 414242 DHA CH - E-Mail: Moulin-Acevedo@dha.unicc.org
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