OCHA Situation Report No. 23
Sudan: Darfur
10 July 2008


Source:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Needs and response by sector

Education

South Darfur

- UNICEF's reconstruction of Um Debeikrat School in Reheid Elbirdi - 
which 
was affected by floods last year - is at the completion stage. 
Approximately 500 children will be able to have access to education.

West Darfur

- Save the Children-US (SCUS) education program successfully completed the 
construction of permanent classrooms at two (2) new basic schools for 
girls in Um Shalaya and Azirnie. Each of these two (2) new schools 
consists of three (3) classrooms and one (1) administration/teachers' 
office. An estimated 400 girl students will benefit from the use of these 
school facilities in the new school academic year 2008/9.

- Registration of the school age children is ongoing in SCUS assisted 
schools, of which 30 out of 45 have opened their doors for the new school 
academic year 2008/09.

- SCUS education program has upgraded the type of the roofing for 10 
semi-permanent classrooms, three (3) in Geneina and seven (7) classrooms 
in Habila and Forbaranga areas.

Food Security and Livelihoods

North Darfur

- Practical Action Sudan started a one month basic training on animal 
health and production which will continue until end of July. The training 
targets five (5) women and 20 men from villages within El Fasher rural 
council. The subjects taught are divided into theoretical and practical 
parts. The practical part includes clinical work and meat inspection while 
the theoretical part provides knowledge on animal husbandry; diseases, 
their symptoms, prevention and treatment. Following the graduation, each 
Para-vet will receive a certificate, a kit, and a donkey as a means of 
transport to help make good work coverage.

- Practical Action has launched its project of promoting gas as an 
alternative clean energy source. The project aims to reach 5,000 families 
directly and is expected to double this number through the turnover of the 
revolving fund. In addition to reducing indoor pollution, the project is 
expected to free biomass fuel for use by IDPs and rural people. This 
project is a replication of a similar project which was successfully 
completed in Kassala covering about 2,000 households.

- In El Fasher nursery, 80,000 seedlings of 11 different species of plants 
have been raised. The seedlings will be transported for transplantation in 
the rural villages at the end of July or early August. Three (3) community 
forests for El Fasher rural council will be established with these 
seedlings. Interested NGOs are welcomed to come and collect seedlings from 
the El Fasher center nursery.

West Darfur

- Between June 23 and June 30, SCUS distributed 505.108 metric tons (MT) 
of food commodities to 75,919 beneficiaries. Food distributions are 
currently underway in Abu Zar, Dorti and Ardamata IDP Camps.

Health and Nutrition

North Darfur

- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed 4,800 pieces of 
injectable contraceptives to the State Ministry of Health (SMoH), 
International Rescue Committee (IRC), GOAL, Malteser and Partner Aid 
International (PAI) for distributing in North Darfur.

- UNICEF supported GOAL with medical supplies and vaccines to prevent 
Polio, measles and tetanus in Birmaza and Ein Siro.

- With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), a mission was 
conducted to the Hashaba area after a rumor of suspected cases of acute 
watery diarrhea (AWD) were reported. After the review, none of the 77 
cases met the case definition of AWD. They were managed as cases of food 
poisoning and no new cases have been reported since.

- WHO continues to support the SMoH and partners in laying out plans for 
the rainy season. Required medical drugs and supplies have been 
pre-positioned in identified flood high risk areas in North Darfur. 
Furthermore, WHO continues working with the SMoH and partners to formulate 
activities on community awareness-raising on water-borne diseases. A joint 
plan has been developed targeting four (4) localities during the first 
phase for the period of July to August 2008. The activities will be funded 
by UNICEF and will be implemented in collaboration with the SMoH and other 
partners. A two-day refresher training on key messages in relation to 
prevention of water-borne diseases will be given to 425 community 
volunteers selected from IDPs and host communities. Elements in the 
training will include, a general overview of the health situation in the 
camps and risk factors; delivery of specific messages during household 
visits; and hygiene promotion, rehydration and early clinic presentation. 
A five-day campaign will be implemented after the completion of the 
training and will include the dissemination of key messages on community 
best practices against water-borne diseases.

- The second workshop on nutrition data management using expanded 
programme of immunization (EPI) was held at the Nyala Teaching Hospital. 
With support from WHO, the SMoH and UNICEF-South Darfur conducted the 
workshop targeting information technology (IT) and technical staff of the 
nutrition department of the SMoH and UNICEF-South Darfur.

South Darfur

- To respond to cases of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) cases in Al Salam 
IDP Camp, a new health clinic will be established in sector 10 of the camp 
where most of the new arrivals reside and where AJS cases are emerging. 
WHO and UNICEF work in collaboration with the SMoH to establish the clinic 
and equip it with facilities and required staff. In Al Salam and Kalma IDP 
Camps, where AJS has been reported, WHO is increasing preventive measures 
such as water and sanitation activities and has started using line lists 
for cases to help control the disease in the camps. In the recent 
surveillance report 22 AJS cases have been reported from Kalma IDP Camp 
while Al Salam IDP Camp reported eight (8) cases.

- In a visit to Gereida Hospital, the provision of full free health 
services to IDPs and conflict affected population was monitored by WHO. 
Discussions on the issue of the hospital's need for more doctors, nurses 
and medical assistants continue with the SMoH. WHO continues to support 
the hospital with medical drugs and supplies, laboratory equipment and 
reagents. The hospital latrines were rehabilitated and the new incinerator 
has been fixed and is now functional.

West Darfur

- On 9 June, a joint assessment exercise was carried out by International 
Medical Corps (IMC), Mercy Corps (MC), the World Food Programme (WFP), the 
SMoH and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 
(UNHCR)-Mukjar, to identify the causes of the notable increase in 
malnutrition among IDP and refugee children. In line with the findings of 
the joint assessment, an action plan has been developed. A community 
training on feeding practices and sanitation/hygiene is planned for July 
in cooperation with IMC.

- UNHCR-Mukjar facilitated a joint exercise by the SMoH and refugee 
members of the health committee, to carry out an insect-fumigation 
exercise in Mukjar refugee camp before the rainy season sets in. The SMoH 
provided training to refugee health committee members on the safe use of 
hand pumps and insecticide so as to enable the refugees to undertake the 
exercise themselves, under the supervision of a SMoH officer.

- During the month of June, 13,201 patients visited SCUS clinics for 
outpatient services. Of these patients, children under 5 represented 47%.

- With UNICEF support, 25 staff from El Geneina hospital completed a 
three-day training on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Much of the 
focus was upon breast feeding, including the importance of breast feeding 
and the link to child survival; methods and problems associated with 
breast feeding; the bond between mother and baby; as well as ideas for 
making the hospital more 'baby friendly'.

Non-Food Items (NFIs)

The NFI and emergency shelter (ES) Sector has been allocated $646,000 
from the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF). These funds have, in turn, been 
allocated to Sector Partners - in relation to 2008 CHF Standard 
Allocation Proposals received from Sector Partners - to meet the 
prioritized needs during the coming months.

North Darfur

- The Common Pipeline replenished 4,086 households with plastic sheeting 
in As Salaam IDP Camp. Distributions were carried out by the Cooperative 
Housing Foundation (CHF) International.

South Darfur

- Action Contre La Faim (ACF) distributed 2,350 Common Pipeline blankets 
to support community projects in Kalma and Mosey IDP Camps.

West Darfur

- Helpage International distributed 88 NFI plastic sheeting to support 
community projects for 18 social centers in 11 IDP camps in Dorti.

- World Relief (WR) distributed Common Pipeline plastic sheeting to 60 
newly displaced households in Sanidadi.

- INTERSOS, in the framework of UNHCR intervention in West Darfur, is 
distributing NFIs to 7,950 Extremely Vulnerable Individuals (EVI) in 
Forbaranga, Garsila, Habila and Umm Khair Administrative Units. The action 
is currently ongoing and will end in two weeks time. The distribution 
foresees 7,950 Plastic Sheets and 15,900 Jerry Cans, with one (1) plastic 
sheet and two (2) jerry cans distributed to each household.

- On 18 June, UNHCR carried out the distribution of plastic sheets in 
Mukjar refugee camp to replenish plastic sheets for all Chadian households 
(HH) registered in the camp before September 2007. A total of 182 plastic 
sheets were distributed to 90 HH - two (2) plastic sheets per household 
and two (2) plastic sheets for the mosque.

Protection and Human Rights

North Darfur

- In collaboration with the SMoH and GOAL international, 11 participants 
have been trained in Clinical Management of Rape (CMR), six (6) were 
females and five (5) males. The distribution of participants is as 
follows:

Three (3) participants from Kutum hospital. One (1) Medical assistant 
(MA); one (1) Village Midwife (VMW); and one (1) health worker.

Three (3) participants from Kassab IDP Camp. Two (2) MAs and one (1) VMW.

Two (2) participants from Algarbia health centre. One (1) MA and one (1) 
VMW.

Two (2) from Kutum health centre. One (1) MA; one (1) VMW; and one (1) 
female social worker from the women's health centre run by IRC-Kutum.

The workshop was composed of three main components CMR, Psychosocial 
support, and a Legal session. The CMR session covered the definition of 
rape; history tacking; examination with special attention on forensic 
evidence collection; the treatment of rape survivors in terms of emergency 
contraception, prevention of Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and 
prevention of HIV/AIDS; and the use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and 
referral pathway. The session on psychosocial support covered the 
definition of psychosocial, trauma and crisis; the reaction to 
unusual/abnormal situations; and the levels of psychosocial support and 
communication skills. The legal session covered form 8 and how it should 
be filled; the definition of rape; the differentiation between rape and 
adultery in national criminal law; and abortion rights for rape survivors.

- On 5-6 July, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized 
an awareness-raising session in Kabkabiya city on "the concept of 
volunteerism and the role and duties of paralegals". Some 52 women from 
Kabkabiya attended the lectures, and participated in a series of 
discussions and role plays which sought to increase understanding of the 
concept of rule of law as well as the role of paralegals.

- On 3 July, UNDP organized a discussion group on 'the inheritance law' at 
the UNDP supported Justice and Confidence Center in Abu Shouk IDP Camp. 
The session was attended by 23 women from the camp who discussed several 
legal topics relevant to the IDP community in Darfur.

- The training of 20 medical staff from Kutum Hospital on gender-based 
violence (GBV) and management of rape cases was conducted by the WHO in 
collaboration with UNFPA, SMOH and GOAL.

South Darfur

- The Sudan Women Development Organization - with support from UNFPA - 
organized a two-day training workshop on the role of the community leaders 
in combating GBV targeting 23 community leaders, police officers, women 
activists and members of the State Committee on GBV in Nyala. The training 
workshop covered topics such as GBV psychosocial support, a brief on CMR 
and Form 8.

- The SMoH - supported by UNFPA - organized a workshop on the role of 
health service providers in GBV prevention and response. The training was 
held for 25 midwives and nurses and covered topics such GBV and clinical 
management of GBV survivors.

- A joint UNICEF/Child Friendly Community Initiative (CFC) project 
constructed one (1) Child Friendly Space in Um Janah which will reach 
1,200 children, adolescents and youth.

West Darfur

- On 21-22 June, UNHCR hosted the World Refugee Day celebrations at the 
Mukjar and Mornei refugee camps. Activities included traditional dances, 
along with speeches from refugee and IDP leaders, Mukjar and Mornei 
Locality Commissioners, representatives of UNHCR's Sudanese governmental 
counterpart the Commissioner for Refugees (COR), and UNHCR with the 
participation of NGOs working at the two Field Offices.

- Refugees and IDPs in Mukjar continue to benefit from Mercy Corps (MC) 
cash for work program. Sheikhs and committee leaders in refugee and IDP 
camps are being sensitized on an ongoing basis regarding the need for a 
more community-based approach to ensure equal participation and 
prioritization of vulnerable cases.

- Following continuous efforts by UNHCR-Mukjar to engage with MC Women's 
Centre for further inclusion of refugee women within their training 
programmes, UNHCR-Mukjar received positive support from MC for the 
inclusion of 10 refugees from the Mukjar camp in their upcoming 
livelihoods training programme.

- SCUS has finished the construction of a third Child Center Um Shalaya. 
The center is now holding daily activities for children.

Water and Sanitation

North Darfur

- Hygiene promotion has been a key issue this week for UNICEF and its 
partners including the State Water Corporation (SWC) and NGOs. In a lead 
up to the rainy season soap distribution has occurred in all three IDP 
camps in El Fasher. UNICEF supported its partner Oxfam by supplying 
111,825 soap bars to IDPs in Abu Shouk IDP Camp. A further 11,970 bars 
were supplied to Enfants du Monde (EMDH) to support hygiene promotion 
activities in Child Friendly Spaces in Abu Shouk IDP Camp. In As Salaam 
IDP Camp 102,015 soap bars were supplied to Oxfam for distribution to 
IDPs. In Zam Zam IDP Camp, the SWC conducted household hygiene campaigns 
in which 4,758 households were visited. In addition to this, the SWC 
distributed in excess of 107,000 bars of soap. UNICEF in conjunction with 
Oxfam - also reached IDPs and the host community in Kabkabiya and 
Shangil 
Tobayi.

South Darfur

- The SWC - with UNICEF support - carried out three (3) general cleaning 
up campaigns and managed 19 temporary garbage collection points in Otash 
IDP Camp. Household hygiene promoters also conducted 260 home visits 
reaching 1,385 individuals. In Al Salam IDP Camp, water dialogues on 
better handling of drinking water from the delivery point to the consumer 
were attended by 518 participants.

- WHO is supporting water quality monitoring activities carried out by its 
water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) partners. WHO provided International 
Rescue Committee (IRC) and American Rescue Committee (ARC) with 400 
hydrogen sulfide (H2S) water testing sets to be used for the rapid 
detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The water test sets will be 
utilized in water quality monitoring activities in Otash, Derieje, Mossei, 
Bilail, Sekele and Gereida IDP Camps and in the Tullus and Gereida 
corridor. WHO also provided IRC with pool testers for Otash, Derieje and 
Sekele IDP Camps.

West Darfur

- SCUS established one (1) hand pump in Krinding 1 IDP Camp benefiting 500 
people.

- According to UNICEF the SWC is continuing the maintenance of 18 water 
yards in Zalingei, Mornei, Habila and El Geneina. Approximately 64,000 
will benefit from the motorized water schemes. Hygiene promotion 
activities have also been a feature in Dorti, El Riyad and Ardamata IDP 
Camps this week, with 676 households being reached with a campaign 
promoting personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness.

If you have inputs for the next edition or questions and comments on this 
one, or other media and public enquiries, please contact: Nahla Zarroug, 
Information Analyst, United Nations, Khartoum, Sudan, Email: 
zarroug@un.org, Telephone: +249-9-12160065

For other media and public enquiries, you may also contact:

Orla Clinton, Public Information Officer,
United Nations, Khartoum, Sudan
Email: clinton@un.org
Telephone: +249-9-12174454

Imad Hassanein, Media Officer, United
Nations, Khartoum, Sudan
Email: hassaneini@un.org
Telephone: +249-9-12178035

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