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RNIS 42, August 2003 SOUTHERN AFRICAAngolaAccess to populations has recently improved due to the end of the rainy season and continuous de-mining efforts (see map). The number of people in critical need in inaccessible areas declined from 500,000 in January 2003 to less than 100,000 in mid-June (OCHA, 10/07/03). There has been concern about "reconstruction and development aid boycott" in Angola, with most of the humanitarian projects in all sectors being under-funded (ACTSA, 08/05/03). The fate of the child soldiers forcibly enrolled, mostly in the UNITA army, but also in the Angolan army, has raised concern because no specific programmes have been directed to them, either boys or girls (ACTSA, 08/05/03). Population movementIDPs and refugee returns A significant number of IDPs and refugees has returned home over the past months. However, about 2 m people remain displaced either internally or in nearby countries (see table). Population movement, Angola, 2003
1 OCHA, 10/07/032 UNHCR, 11/07/03 A voluntary repatriation project for Angolan refugees from DRC, Zambia and Namibia began in mid-June 2003 (UNHCR, 11/07/03). Five locations meet pre-conditions defined by UNHCR for organised return (they can be reached by road, the danger of landmine is relatively low and basic services are available): Cazombo, Moxico province, Menongue and Calundo, Cuando Cubango, Luau, Mexico province and Mbanza Congo, Zaire province. The returnees, when back in Angola, will spent a few days in reception centres where they will receive mine-awareness training, HIV/AIDS information, medical care if needed and re-integration kits (food, construction kit and basic household assets) (UNHCR, 11/07/03). However, the return of the refugees to their area of origin may be difficult as transport from the transit centres is not yet assured and the capacity of the villages to absorb returnees is limited (MSF, 22/07/03). UNITA ex-soldiers and family resettlement The Quartering and Family Areas (QFA) were officially closed on the 19 June 2003 (GoA, 19/06/03); 375,000 persons were registered during the process. However, logistical problems have hampered a smooth return of these people to their area of origin (IRIN, 19/06/03). Some people have stayed near the QFAs, whilst others have remained in transit centres for more than the few days they were intended to stay, despite the transit centre not having the capacity to host people for a long stay (IRIN, 19/06/03). Moreover, demobilisation kits have not been delivered to all the families; this will not ease a return in optimal conditions. Food securityThe FAO/WFP crop and food supply assessment mission was carried out in May and June 2003 (FAO/WFP, 25/07/03). Overall, agricultural production is estimated to have increased compared to the production in 2002. Cereal and bean production are estimated to be 23% and 14% higher respectively than last year, and the cassava crop is slightly higher than in 2002. The good crop performance is attributed to good rainfall, an increase in the area under cultivation (14% higher than in 2001/2002) and distribution of agricultural inputs. Livestock numbers sharply fell during the war, but re-stocking has restarted this year. Rearing is one of the major activities in the south and centre of the country. Many people have also regained access to natural resources such as fishing, hunting, honey and wild food collection. Although cessation of hostilities has improved movement of goods in the country, poor road conditions hamper normal trade, especially for goods which are low in value and high in unit weight, like grains and roots. In general, prices are considered high for the purchasing power of the population. It is estimated that 219,000 MTs of food aid will be required for 2003/2004, with 1.4 m people dependent on food aid (the same number as last year) (see tables). Beneficiaries of food aid, Angola, 2003 (FAO/WFP, 25/07/03)
1 Displaced after 2001, and UNITA demobilised soldiers and their families who still reside in the QFAs or transit centres2Ex-IDPs, ex-refugees, who resettled in areas which are not their areas of origin WFP is intended to provide about 161,000 MTs of cereals to 1,027,500 people, whilst the remaining requirements should be met by other humanitarian agencies. It is hoped that people who have resettled in 2001/2002 will not need any further food distribution after the next harvest in 2004, whilst people who will return in 2003/2004 will require assistance at least until the 2005 harvest. Regionally, good rains in Northern (where the main crop is roots) and Central region (where the main crop is maize) have led to good harvests, and, good pasture and fodder, for livestock in the Central region. In the Southern region, which is the least fertile of the country, Cunene and Kuando Kubango provinces have experienced poor rainfall leading to failure or complete loss of harvests. In Huila province, it is also estimated that crops will not last until the next harvest and that people will be in need of food aid. The other provinces were doing well. The highest number of returnees is estimated to be in Huambo, Bie and Benguela, and the highest number of IDPs in Kuando Kubango and Bie. Provision of seeds and tools will be crucial for the next planting season, starting in October/November. Agricultural inputs for 600,000 families have already been ordered, whilst inputs to cover 200,000 more families are still needed (OCHA, 10/07/03). PipelinesA national measles vaccination campaign was carried out in April/May 2003, targeting children between 9 months and 15 years old (OCHA, 10/07/03). Essential drug pipeline breaks have been reported and are expected to continue at least until September (OCHA, 10/07/03). On the other hand, WFP food pipeline seems secured until the end of the year, except for beans which are expected to last only until December (OCHA, 10/07/03); beans are fundamental to prevent pellagra. Benguela provinceGanda municipality A random sampled nutrition survey was carried out in March 2003 in Ganda municipality (ACH, 03/03). Among the families surveyed, 68% were resident families, 20% were displaced (of whom 89% were displaced for more than one year) and 12% were returnees, who arrived less than one year ago. The nutrition situation was under-control and has not significantly changed since mid 2000 (see figure). Admissions in SFC and TFC were, however, still significant at the beginning of the year: an average 1,000 children/month were admitted in SFC and 100 children/month were admitted in TFC. Prevalence of malnutrition, Ganda municipality,Angola
The mortality rate was of concern, although it has decreased over the last years (see figure). The measles vaccination coverage was 40.6% according to cards and 72.4% according to cards and mothers' statement. About 27% of the children surveyed have received vitamin A. Mortality rates, Ganda municipality,Angola
It is striking that the prevalence of malnutrition is relatively low and yet mortality rates are high, suggesting that the main problem for people is the health environment. Major causes of under-five year old deaths were diarrhoea and fever. There is room for improvement in terms of safe water availability, sanitary conditions, health care and food security. The harvest is expected to be good and will help to improve the situation. Cubal municipality A random sampled nutrition survey was carried out in Cubal municipality in April 2003 (CRS/MINSA, 04/03). About 76% of the families surveyed were resident families; 4% were displaced and 19% were returnees. The malnutrition prevalence was under-control and was within the range of the results of previous surveys (see figure). Mortality rates were below alert levels but remained significant (under-five mortality rate = 1.52/10,000/day; crude mortality rate = 0.69/10,000/day). The main cause of under-five mortality was malaria (80% of the deaths). Measles vaccination for the 12-23 month olds was 68% according to cards. Vitamin A coverage was 5.4%. Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Cubal municipality, Angola
Balombo municipality A random sampled nutrition survey was undertaken in Balombo municipality in May 2003 (CRS, 05/03). Since April 2002, a number of new areas have been made accessible in the municipality. The present survey included the newly accessible areas. 64% of the families interviewed were resident families, whilst 31% were returnees. The IDPs represented only 5% of the sample. The results showed an acceptable nutrition situation, which has gradually improved since 2001 (see figure). Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Balombo municipality, Angola
However, mortality rates were of concern (under-five mortality rate = 2.4/10,000/day, crude mortality rate = 0.9/10,000/day), but have decreased since March 2002, when under-five mortality rate and crude mortality rate were respectively 3.2/10,000/day and 1.4/10,000/day (see RNIS 36/37). The main causes of under-five mortality were malaria (44%) and diarrhoea (22%). Measles vaccination coverage for the 12-23 month olds was 18% according to cards. OverallThe nutrition situation has stabilised in Benguela province, even in newly accessible areas (category III/IV), but mortality rates are still high. Provision of basic need services is an essential part of the country reconstruction and will be crucial, as will be the strengthening of food security, to ensure people's recovery from the war. Recommendation and priorities:
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