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Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations -
Zambia
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| Population group | N | Mild anaemia* (%) (95% CI) |
Moderate anaemia* (%) (95% CI) |
Severe anaemia* (%) (95% CI) |
Total anaemia* (%) (95% CI) |
| 6-59 months | 155 | 15.5 (10.4-22.4) | 31.0 (23.9-39.0) | 1.3 (0.2-5.1) | 47.7 (39.7-55.9) |
| 10-19 years | 213 | 9.4 (6.0-14.3) | 7.5 (4.5-12.1) | 1.9 (0.6-5.1) | 19.3 (14.3-25.3) |
| Non-pregnant women | 116 | 6.9 (3.2-13.6) | 7.8 (3.8-14.6) | 3.4 (1.1-9.1) | 18.1 (11.8-26.6) |
| Pregnant women | 28 | 14.3 (4.6-33.6) | 10.7 (2.8-29.4) | 0.0 | 25.0 (11.4-45.2) |
Table 23 Prevalence of anaemia, Nangweshi refugee camp, Zambia, July 2003 (UNHCR/ICH, 07/03)
| N |
Vitamin A Deficiency |
||
| Total % < 0.7 mmol/L (95% CI) |
Medium Risk % < 0.7 & ³ 0.35 mmol/L (95% CI) |
High Risk % < 0.35 mmol/L (95% CI) |
|
| 204 | 47.1 (40.1 - 54.1) | 41.7 (34.9 - 48.8) | 5.4 (2.9 - 9.7) |
Zambia hosts about 55,000 refugees from DRC (IRIN, 07/11/03) and approximately 90,000 refugees from Angola (IFRC, 03/11/03). A UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation programme of Angolan refugees began in June 2003; about 17,600 refugees were repatriated before the programme was halted in November 2003 because of the rainy season (UNHCR, 04/11/03).
A random sampled nutrition survey was carried out in Nangweshi refugee camp, Western province, in July 2003 (UNHCR/ICH, 07/03). The camp hosted around 26,000 Angolan refugees, as of June 2003. The anthropometric survey revealed a good nutritional status (category IV): 1.2% (0.4-3.2) of the children surveyed were acutely malnourished, and no children were severely malnourished. Moreover, the distribution curve of the weight-for-height index of the children surveyed in the camp was similar to the distribution curve of the population used as a reference (healthy American children, National Center of Health Statistics).
The prevalence of stunting was, however, significant: 50.0% (44.6-55.4) of the children surveyed were considered stunted, including 14.8% (11.3-19.1) severely stunted. These data should be taken with caution, given the uncertainty about the children’s ages.
Refugees are meant to receive a full food ration, but shortages in the food pipeline have occurred several times. Fields around the camp are available for cultivation by the refugees and home gardens are widespread. Refugees are allowed access to work outside the camp and there are also some income-generating activities in the camp, such as bakeries, black smiths and small shops. There is a significant market in the camp where food is widely available.
All of the 12-23 month olds included in the survey were vaccinated against measles.
Zambia hosts about 250,000 refugees, mainly from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Little nutritional data is available for these populations. However, nutrition surveys have been undertaken by UNHCR in two refugee camps, hosting mainly refugees from DRC (Kala and Mwange) and in one refugee camp hosting mainly refugees from Angola (Ukwimi), in October 2002 (UNHCR, 10/02).
The results showed an acceptable nutrition situation, although some oedematous children were found (see table).
Acute malnutrition in three refugee camps, Zambia, October 2002 (UNHCR, 12/02)
|
Survey |
Sample |
Wasting1 |
Severe wasting |
Oedema |
|
|
Ukwimi |
exhaustive |
419 |
3.6 |
0.6 |
2 |
|
Mwange |
cluster |
778 |
5.2 |
0.9 |
0.4 |
|
Kala |
cluster |
768 |
1.8 |
0.4 |
0.8 |
1 Children with oedema are included
The nutritional status of the refugee population seems in the same range as that of the resident population, according to survey results received by RNIS (the results are not reported in this issue since the full reports have not been made available to RNIS).
The nutrition situation is acceptable in Kala, Mwange and Ukwimi camps (category IV), although children who had oedema require further investigation and attention.
| Zambie
La Zambie abrite environ 250,000 réfugiés, essentiellement des ressortissants de RDC et d'Angola. Trois enquêtes nutritionnelles réalisées en décembre 2002 ont montré une situation nutritionnelle acceptable (catégorie IV) (voir tableau) et de même ordre de grandeur que dans la population résidente. |
The humanitarian situation in Zambia is considered to be critical for much of the population as a result of a food crisis that has hit much of the south of Africa. The country is facing a severe maize shortage after a crop failure in the 2000-2001 season which led to a 30 % drop in agricultural output.. In December 2001, WFP launched an appeal for 18 million dollars to distribute food to 1.2 million people (UN OCHA 19/01/02). The response to the appeal is so far reported to be slow.
The general emergency in the country has placed extra pressure on the more than 300,000 refugees located in various areas of the country. The refugees are primarily from Angola and the DRC and many have been in the country for more than 30 years. The country received 28,000 Angolan refugees from the neighbouring provinces of Cuando Cubango and Moxico during the year 2001. Consequently, some of the camps have reached their maximum capacity and the creation of new camps is currently a priority. The situation for many of the refugees is poor due to over crowding in camps and a lack of employment or farming opportunities. This was further exacerbated in March 2002 with a court ruling that any refugee caught starting an illegal business would be deported (Xinhua 27/03/02). The current nationwide food shortages and the increasing number of refugees has meant that there were breaks in the food pipeline in January 2002 with refugees receiving half rations. The level of dependency on food aid is a problem and future programmes will focus on areas such as agriculture, health and sanitation. The cessation of violence in neighbouring Angola could potentially signal a dramatic change in the refugee profile in the country if Angolan refugees decide to return to their places of origin. However, it is currently uncertain whether returns will be possible. Any large scale return of Angolans would significantly reduce the refugee burden in Zambia. The RNIS does not have any recent nutrition surveys from refugees in Zambia, however the situation is not deemed to be critical.
Overall
The current humanitarian situation in Zambia as a whole has worsened as a result of a regional food deficit. This has impacted on the allocation of resources to refugees and some breaks in the food pipeline were observed. This places refugees at elevated risk. However, their current situation is not deemed to be critical (category III).
Recommendations
From the RNIS
Zambia has continued to receive steady influxes of refugees from Angola and the DRC, largely as a result of its civil and food insecurity. The total number of refugees in the country is estimated to be approximately 258,000. As of June 2001, there were an estimated 40,068 Congolese refugees in Mwange and Kala camps. The refugees receive a full ration of 2,100 Kcals comprising of maize, beans, salt and vegetable oil from WFP and also have reasonable access to land for agricultural purposes. Despite disturbances earlier in the year over breakages in the supply of aid, the condition of the refugees remains good (UNHCR 09/01).
There are currently estimated to be over 87,000 Angolan refugees in the country with the majority located in Mayukwayukwa and Meheba camps. A more recent camp has been created in Nangweshi that has already reached its capacity of 15,000 people, with no moves to create another camp to accommodate the ever increasing number of Angolans crossing the border in search of asylum. A clear distinction is made between “old” and “new” refugees, with all receiving a one time only installation kit containing a variety of non-food items designed to allow the refugees to set themselves up. There is also an allocation of land made, but it is not clear whether this is ongoing given the increasing numbers (UNHCR 09/01). It has been calculated that over 3,000 Angolans have fled into Zambia’s western province in recent months at an average of 700 people per month, marking a dramatic increase from previous numbers and reflecting the upsurge in military activity in Angola. The new refugees have been going predominantly to a transit camp next to the Nangweshi camp. The Nangweshi camp is to the west of the Zambezi River in an area lacking agricultural land, restricting refugees’ abilities to produce their own food (Xinhua 22/10/01). UNHCR have set up strict screening procedures for new arrivals as a result of concerns that the camp is also being used as a recruiting ground for rebels as it lies close to the border (IRIN 24/10/01). As a result of the increased influx of refugees there is concern that WFP does not have enough food in stock to serve the needs of the new arrivals (IRIN 25/10/01).
The RNIS has not received any nutritional information on the refugees but their condition is not thought to be critical, although it is concerning to note that there may be possible pipeline cuts in the future.
Overall
The numbers of refugees in Zambia is increasing as a result of the continuation of conflict in neighbouring Angola. The new arrivals are likely to be in poor condition but will benefit from the good level of assistance to refugees in the Zambian camps (category III). The “old” refugees are mostly self sufficient to a large degree and are not thought to be at particular risk IV).
Recommendations
As a result of a good general security situation, Zambia has continued to attract considerable numbers of refugees. The majority are mostly from neighbouring Angola and DRC and latest estimates put the total number residing within the country at 258,661, distributed amongst about five camps (UNHCR 18/07/01). The high numbers have put considerable strain on the governments response capacity and this has led to some problems in supplying sufficient humanitarian assistance: This has been particularly problematic as Zambia has suffered from some internal food security problems as a result of flood damage in the spring (IRIN-SA 20/07/01).
The supply problems were emphasised a few months ago when the refugees at Kala camp in northern Zambia’s Luapula Province rioted in response to the lack of availability of food aid. However, the United States has recently pledged 400,000 US dollars to the Zambian refugee population (Xinhua 19/07/01).
Fighting in Angola resulted in an influx of about 1000 refugees per month until April 2001, however this has decreased a little since April. There has also been a continuous trickle of refugees from DRC into northern Zambia, particularly as a result of fighting in DRC’s Katanga province. There are currently estimated to be 50,000 Congolese refugees in the country but the continuing peace process has raised the hope that repatriation may be possible in the not too distant future (UNHCR 18/07/01).
The RNIS has not received any new nutritional information on refugees in Zambia but the last surveys (see RNIS 32 and 33) did not indicate alarming levels of acute malnutrition. The situation is not considered critical.
Overall
The numbers of refugees is increasing as a result of continuing violence in neighbouring countries. However, the situation for refugees is not considered to be critical (category IV) although there is some concern over possible pipeline cuts.
Recommendations
In distinct contrast to its northern and western neighbours Zambia enjoys a stable political environment, despite suffering from economic decline. During 2000 Zambia has faced a mounting refugee crisis as the war in Angola between the UNITA rebels and the government coupled with the regional instability and conflict of the Great Lakes region, has sent thousands of refugees into the North and North West Provinces of the country.
Zambia currently has an estimated 225,000 refugees currently living within its borders, with 180,000 from Angola, 35,000 from DRC and another 10,500 from Burundi, Rwanda or Somalia. An estimated 80,000 of those currently have no access to land or markets and depend totally on food supplied by the WFP. Since June 2000 Zambia has seen a massive influx of some 40,000 refugees fleeing fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. To cater for the influx of refugees the UNHCR has been obliged to open a new camp called Kala in the Kawambwa district in August, after the Mwange camp in Mporokoso reached full capacity and was closed to new comers. Preliminary results of a nutrition survey in Kala camp by MSF-H estimate the prevalence of acute malnutrition is 4.2%, with 1.2% severe malnutrition. No oedema was recorded (MSF-H, 7/3/01)
There is considerable concern at the increase in banditry along Zambia’s northern Luapula province bordering the DRC which has created a very unstable and insecure environment for the refugees (UNHCR 2001; WFP 23/02/01).
The influx of Angolan refugees picked up sharply in mid September 2000, as a result of clashes and bombing by Angolan Armed Forces in Moxico and Cuando Cubango provinces. By mid October well over 10,000 refugees had entered Zambia from Angola. The large influx of refugees has been accompanied by armed combatants which has dramatically increased the number of security incidents in the camps.
A recent offensive by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga province and the subsequent capture of Pweto, Moba and Malilo resulted in 15,000 people, in November and December alone, fleeing across the border into Zambia’s Luapula and Northern Provinces. Any escalation in hostilities could spark an immediate surge of thousands of people into Zambia. The RNIS does not have any nutritional information about the condition of the refugees (WFP 23/02/01).
Food security and resources
Zambia is not a high profile emergency and donor response has been slow. Many of the refugees currently located in Zambia are in six refugee camps that are currently facing the prospect of shortages in basic food commodities due to lack of funding. An IRIN South Africa report in March stressed that unless donors renew pledges there will be an expected 25 % cut in the general food rations. Given the food cuts and the reliance of the refugee population on food aid, there could be a deterioration in nutritional status
Overall
The increased numbers of refugees and the threatened cuts in the food pipeline as a result of funding constraints makes the overall food security situation and nutritional status of the refugees extremely precarious (Category II or III).
Recommendations
Since October 1999, influxes of Angolan refugees have been recorded in Zambia's Western and North-western Provinces. In total some 30,000 refugees have crossed the border since the end of last year. The height of the influx was recorded in December 1999, although refugees have continued to enter Zambia during the reporting period. Similarly, insecurity in DRC has also caused an influx of Congolese refugees into Northern Province (MSF-H - 07/00).
In addition to the refugees, recent reports have indicated that there are some 10,000 internally displaced Zambians in Northwestern Province. Armed groups from Angola (both UNITA and Angolan Armed Forces) have been terrorising villagers in the border areas around Chavuma, forcing many to flee their homes. The IDPs are not in camps, but have settled with relatives. UNICEF and the Zambian Government are providing assistance to this population (IRIN-SA - 27/06/00).
Nutritional situation
An MSF-H nutritional survey of Angolan refugee children aged 6-59 months in a camp near Nangweshi, in the south-western part of the country in April (see annex). The prevalence of acute malnutrition was estimated at 16.1% including 3.8% severe acute malnutrition. Two percent of the children sampled had oedema (this survey report is unavailable to the RNIS). The NGO reports that the overall health is stable and under control. A water supply system has been set up (MSF-H - 28/06/00, 07/00).
MSF-H reports that the most recent nutritional survey in Kalabo indicated an improvement in the population's nutritional status. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was reduced to 6.8%, including 1.8% severe acute malnutrition (this report is currently unavailable to the RNIS). CMR and under-five mortality rates are reported to have dropped to normal levels. Kalabo is currently acting as a way station for refugees, who are moved on by UNHCR to Mayukwayukwa. This may change if another large group of refugees seek assistance in Zambia (MSF-H - 07/00).
Food security and resources
A break in the food pipeline for the refugee programme is imminent. UNHCR plans to try and procure food locally, Should this fail the general distribution to the refugee camp populations will have to be reduced. This may well lead to a deterioration in the nutritional situation (MSF-H - 07/00; UNHCR - 27/06/00).
Overall, the nutritional situation of the refugees is precarious given the funding problems (category III).
Recommendations and priorities:
Fighting in south-eastern Angola between UNITA and Angolan Government forces has resulted in an influx of more than 24,000 Angolan refugees into Zambia’s Western province since October 1999. There are contingency plans to cope with an influx of a further 15,000 refugees. Some 10,000 of the newly arrived refugees have been stuck on the western bank of the Zambezi River at Sinjembela, however UNHCR and IOM are transporting them to a new camp 120 km inland away from the insecure border (at the time of press some 3,000 refugees remained in Sinjembela. Reports from Sinjembela indicate that the overall health situation among the refugees is not critical, although the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases has increased - possibly due to the onset of the rainy season and the congestion in the camp area. There have been anecdotal reports of malnutrition. MSF-H is vaccinating the refugees against measles. Logistical difficulties continue to make access to the camp difficult (IOM -28/03/00; IRIN-SA - 24/02/00, 21/02/00, 17/02/00; UNICEF-21/02/00).
There is no new information on the nutritional situation of the 25,000 refugees from DRC who arrived in 1999. Some 11,000 of these refugees are assisted in Mwange settlement. The rest of the population has spontaneously settled in the border area.
Overall, the RNIS has not received any information concerning the nutritional situation of the new Angolan refugees. They are assumed to be at moderate risk of malnutrition (category III). Their nutritional situation of the other refugees is assumed to remain non-critical (category IV).
The initial emergency response in Zambia provoked by the influx of some 25,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo since March 1999 has evolved into a care and maintenance programme. Of the 25,000 refugees, some 11,000 are assisted in the Mwange settlement. The rest of the population has spontaneously settled in the border area. With regard to the population of 150,000 Angolan refugees, UNHCR actively promotes the options of local integration and naturalisation for interested refugees (UNHCR-09/99).
Angolan refugees have continued to enter Zambia over the reporting period. The recent influx is largely due to fighting between UNITA and Angolan government forces in Moxico Province that borders Zambia’s Western and North Western Provinces (IRIN-SA - 27/10/99).
The RNIS has received no new information concerning the nutritional situation of the refugees in Zambia. It is assumed that their nutritional status remains non-critical (category IV).
Zambia is currently providing asylum to refugees from Angola and the Great Lakes Region - DRC, Burundi and Rwanda. The latest survey in Mwange camp reported that the nutritional and health situation of these refugees is not critical (category IIc).
Zambia is currently providing asylum to refugees from Angola and the Great Lakes region - DRC, Burundi and Rwanda. The upsurge in hostilities in DRC and Angola has resulted in the arrival of over 25,000 refugees into Zambia. This has disrupted repatriation back into these countries: a number of refugees who had spontaneously repatriated are returning to Zambia.
Refugees from DRC
The most recent figures estimate that there are 25,000 refugees from the DRC in Zambia of which some 11,000 are in Mwange camp. The rest are in Kafuta town or villages around it. WFP has launched an appeal (PRRO 6134.00) for these refugees and is planning to assist some 21,900 beneficiaries - this planning figure includes an old caseload of 11,400 and an allowance for 14,800 new arrivals (IRIN-SA - 18/06/99; WFP - 16/04/99, 21/05/99,28/06/99).
The nutritional and health situation of the refugees in Mwange camp is not critical. An MSF-H survey in the camp estimated the prevalence of acute wasting and/or oedema at 8.6%, with 2.0% severe wastinga and/or oedema (see Annex). Oedema was reported in 1% of the survey population. Measles immunisation coverage was high at 93.4%. The main causes of morbidity were malaria and acute respiratory infections which is normal in the colder months. Sanitation and shelter facilities are reported to be adequate. The general food ration is reported to be relatively regular, although no sugar or CSB is given out as CSB is used in the community growth programmes (MSF - 02/06/99).
Refugees from Angola
There are approximately 26,000 Angolan refugees in Maheba settlement and 4,700 in Mayukwayuka settlement. WFP reports that their nutritional status is satisfactory except for the children under-five who are receiving targeted supplementary rations in the form of high energy protein supplements (WFP - 28/06/99).
Overall, the nutritional situation of these refugees is not considered to be critical (category IIc).
A recent influx of refugees from the DRC has increased the numbers of Congolese refugees in Zambia to approximately 12,000 (UNHCR - 15/02/99). No information is available on their nutritional situation.
RNIS 25 was devoted to reviewing some of the changes in emergency response over the last five years. We will first highlight situations where wasting was brought rapidly under control. We will then look at some of the factors that have led to less than optimal results, followed by what has been accomplished to improve response over the last five years. We conclude with some ideas for future improvements in the RNIS Reports that could even further enhance communication, stimulate thought, and promote improvement.
There are no new data on the approximately 34,000 refugees in Zambia, comprised of 1,100 Congolese refugees, 32,000 Angolan refugees, 700 Rwandan refugees and 200 refugees from Burundi [RNIS 23].
There are approximately 34,000 refugees in Zambia requiring emergency assistance. This total number is broken down as follows:
It is believed that some portion of the Congolese refugees have repatriated, and that many of the Angolan refugees will return over the course of 1998 [OCHA 01/02/98, Jan-Dec 98].
There are approximately 100,000 Angolan refugees in Zambia, 15,000 of whom require humanitarian assistance. Recent reports are that 1,500 of these refugees have repatriated [IRIN 05/12/97]. There are also approximately 10,000 refugees from DRC.
There are 15,000 refugees from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) requiring emergency food aid [WFP 12/05/97].
There were reports of the arrival of at least 8,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Zambia ahead of rebel advances. Contingency plans are being made for the arrival of a greater number of refugees [IFRC 04/03/97, IRIN 31/03/97, USAID 11/04/97].
Overall, the refugees in Zambia are not currently thought to be at heightened nutritional risk (category IIc in Table 1).
There are approximately 5,000 new arrivals from Zaire who are fleeing the fighting in the East of the country. However, most of these people are not asking for refugee status and are expected to return shortly to Zaire [UNHCR 27/02/97, USAID 07/02/97].
In addition, there are 6,500 assisted Angolan and Zairian refugees in Zambia [WFP 10/02/97].
Organised repatriation of the approximately 26,000 assisted Angolan refugees in Zambia is scheduled to begin in 1996 and will be completed over a fourteen month period. Before departure refugees will undergo health and nutrition screening and be given updated health cards while children under five will be vaccinated. There are a further 70,000 unassisted refugees who have been considered self-sufficient for a long time, and are expected to repatriate without assistance [UNHCR 1996-1997].
There are 1,000 refugees newly arrived from Zaire [USAID 05/12/96]. No further details are currently available on this population.
Organised repatriation of the approximately 26,000 assisted Angolan refugees in Zambia is scheduled to begin in 1996 and will be completed over a fourteen month period. Before departure refugees will undergo health and nutrition screening and be given updated health cards while children under five will be vaccinated. There are a further 70,000 unassisted refugees who have been considered self-sufficient for a long time, and are expected to repatriate without assistance [UNHCR 1996-1997].
Organised repatriation of the approximately 26,000 assisted Angolan refugees in Zambia is scheduled to begin in 1996 and will be completed over a fourteen month period. Before departure refugees will undergo health and nutrition screening and be given updated health cards while children under five will be vaccinated. There are a further 70,000 unassisted refugees who have been considered self-sufficient for a long time, and are expected to repatriate without assistance [UNHCR Jun 95-Dec 97].
Organised repatriation of the approximately 26,000 assisted Angolan refugees in Zambia is scheduled to begin in 19% and will be completed over a fourteen month period. Before departure refugees will undergo health and nutrition screening and be given updated health cards while children under five will be vaccinated. There are a further 70,000 unassisted refugees who have been considered self-sufficient for a long time, and are expected to repatriate without assistance [UNHCR Jun 95-Dec 97].
Organised repatriation of the approximately 26,000 assisted Angolan refugees in Zambia is scheduled to begin in 1996 and will be completed over a fourteen month period. Before departure refugees will undergo health and nutrition screening and be given updated health cards while children under five will be vaccinated. There are a further 70,000 unassisted refugees who have been considered self-sufficient for a long time, and are expected to repatriate without assistance [UNHCR Jun 95-Dec 97].
There are approximately 10,000 Angolan refugees assisted in Zambia. There are an additional 86,000 refugees who are not assisted and about whose nutritional status little is known. It is hoped that with the current positive political situation in Angola that many of these refugees will repatriate spontaneously [UNHCR 14/06/95]. There are no reports of change to the reportedly adequate nutritional situation for the small number of Zairian refugees in Zambia.
There are approximately 10,000 Angolan refugees assisted in Zambia. There are an additional 86,000 refugees who are not assisted and about whose nutritional status little is known. It is hoped that with the current positive political situation in Angola that many of these refugees will repatriate spontaneously [UNHCR 14/06/95]. There are no reports of change to the reportedly adequate nutritional situation for the small number of Zairian refugees in Zambia.
There are approximately 96,000 Angolan refugees in Zambia. 10,000 of whom are currently assisted. It is hoped that with the current positive political situation in Angola that many of these refugees will repatriate spontaneously [UNHCR 146/06/95]. There are no reports of change to the reportedly adequate nutritional situation for the small number of Zairean refugees in Zambia.
There are no reports of change in the nutrition or health situation of the approximately 12,700 Angolan and Zairean refugees in Zambia.
There are no reports of change in the situation of approximately 12,700 Angolan and Zairean refugees in Zambia, although the current drought affecting much of Southern Africa may create tensions between allocation of scarce government resources to the existing refugee population and drought affected populations [WFP 16/02/95].
There are no reports of change in the situation of the approximately 36,000 refugees in Zambia and estimates of the current assisted population are as follows:
|
Origin |
February/December 1994 |
|
Zairian Refugees |
18,000 |
|
Angolan Refugees |
17,000 |
|
Somali Refugees |
1,000 |
|
TOTAL |
36,000 |
There are no reports of change in the status of the approximately 36,000 refugees in Zambia.
The current assisted population is estimated remain at:
|
Origin |
February/October 1994 |
|
Zairian Refugees |
18,000 |
|
Angolan Refugees |
17,000 |
|
Somali Refugees |
1,000 |
|
TOTAL |
36,000 |
The current assisted population is estimated remain at:
|
Origin |
February/August 1994 |
|
Zairian Refugees |
18,000 |
|
Angolan Refugees |
17,000 |
|
Somali Refugees |
1,000 |
|
TOTAL |
36,000 |
There are no reports of change in the satisfactory health and
nutrition status for this population.
Zambia hosts over 200,000 refugees from Zaire, Angola and Somalia, although only 36,000 refugees in Zambia receive food aid assistance. The majority of these have arrived within the past two years and on arrival are given land and a general ration for two years on the assumption that they will achieve self-sufficiency within that time.
The current assisted population is estimated remain at:
|
Origin |
February/June 1994 |
|
Zairian Refugees |
18,000 |
|
Angolan Refugees |
17,000 |
|
Somali Refugees |
1,000 |
|
36,000 |
The majority of this refugee population is not generally at
risk. Recent reports indicate that the poor 1993/94 harvest has meant that 75%
of a refugee population (in Maheba settlement, overall population of 25,000) are
in urgent need of assistance [CARE Jan 94].
How could external agencies help? Better monitoring of agricultural production of "self-sufficient" refugees are required so that more timely warning of the effects of production failure can be given to donors.
While Zambia is host to over 200,000 refugees, only 36,000 of these require food assistance; the remaining 164,000 are self-sufficient. The current assisted population is estimated to be:
|
|
February 1994 |
|
|
Zairian Refugees |
18,000 |
|
|
Angola Refugees |
17,000 |
|
|
Somali Refugees |
1,000 |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
36,000 |
As the government of Zambia provides land for resettling
refugees [WFP-A 25/03/94], they are not currently considered to be at
nutritional risk (category IIc in Table 2).
United Nations System 
