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RNIS 43, November 2003 SOUTHERN AFRICAAngolaAbout 35,000 refugees have been repatriated since the beginning of the voluntary repatriation programme, launched by UNHCR in June 2003; 15,000 refugees returned from Zambia, 17,000 from DRC and 3,000 from Namibia. It is also estimated that about 34,000 refugees returned home spontaneously in 2003 (UNHCR, 09/10/03). However, only half of the districts of return are opened to repatriation, the others being considered unsuitable for repatriation because of poor road conditions, land-mines and lack of basic social services (WFP, 10/10/03). WFP food distribution has increased over the last months, from 1.6 m in August 2003 to 1.8 m in September and 2.2 m in October (WFP, 10/10/03). This is mainly due to seasonal factors, as food stock has begun to decline in some areas, and to the caseload of IDPs and returnees, and also to the distribution of seed protection rations to accompany distribution of seeds and tools. Major distributions of seeds and tools to 600,000 families are on-going to unable cultivation in the October-December period (FAO, 19/09/03). The FAO will also support rehabilitation of livestock. However, some humanitarian operations are under-funded; UNICEF has only received 20% of the funds required (OCHA, 21/10/03) and WFP has had to lower dramatically non-food and passenger air transport because of a severe lack of funds (WFP, 14/10/03). Due to transportation related delays of commodities, WFP will distribute a half ration of cereals for returning refugees and IDPs during November and December (WFP, 23/10/03).The average cost of the food basket was lower in July and August than the average in the four previous years. Commercial activity has developed in most of the provinces, although it has been limited in Moxico and Luanda Sul province because of poor road conditions. It is expected that commercial activity will decrease with the forthcoming rainy season (FEWS, 08/03). The nutrition situation seems to remain stable. Caconda municipality, Cuando Cubango A survey was carried out in accessible areas of Caconda and Cusse communities in June 2003 (ACH, 06/03). About 54% of the surveyed population were displaced people, 42% were residents and 4.4% were returnees, of whom 15% were former UNITA soldiers; the proportion of the different groups was about the same in December 2002. The nutrition situation was average and has not improved since December last year (see figure). Prevalence of malnutrition, Caconda Municipality, Angola, 2002-2003
On the other hand, mortality rates have dropped, compared to December 2002 (see figure), but the under-five mortality rate was still above an acceptable threshold. The decrease in mortality rates may be mainly attributed to better public health. The measles vaccination coverage was 88.8%, according to cards and mothers' statements. Mortality rates, Caconda Municipality, Angola, 2002-2003
About 75% of the displaced people received food distribution the month prior to the survey, as well as 85% of the ex-UNITA soldiers. However, only 9% of the returnees and 1% of the resident populations received food distribution. Ganda municipality, Benguela province A random -sampled nutrition survey was undertaken in Ganda municipality in August 2003 (ACH, 08/03). The population surveyed comprised 78% of residents, 13% of displaced people and 7% of returnees. The nutrition situation was under-control and has remained stable since 2000 (see figure); mortality rates were still high (see figure). The measles vaccination coverage was estimated at 93.6% according to cards and mothers' statements. Only 16% of the displaced families and 13% of the returnees had received food distribution. Ganda municipality experiences bad water and sanitary conditions. Prevalence of malnutrition, Ganda Municipality, Angola, 2002-2003
Mortality rates, Ganda Municipality, Angola, 2002-2003
Overall Despite a better harvest this year than in 2002, a high number of people are still in need of food aid. The nutrition situation is stable (category III). |
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