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).
Asia - Selected Situations
The most recent overview of the numbers of refugees and displaced people in Asia (as of end of 1998) estimates that there are 4.7 million refugees on the continent. Over 1.2 million of these were Afghans in Pakistan and Iran (1.4 million). There are reported to be 580,000 Iraqis in Iran. Comprehensive figures on the number of displaced in Asia are unavailable but are certainly in the millions.
This section of the report gives updated information on some of these situations. The current nutritional situation of the Afghan refugees/displaced is described. Information on the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal and refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh is also included.
