Crisis watch

Syria

CARE has been working closely with our partner organisations in Syria to assist people in northwest Syria affected by the latest wave of displacement since early May. We have delivered emergency aid to more than 120,000 people, including clean drinking water, food rations, mobile teams, reproductive health services, psychosocial support activities, personal hygiene items, cash assistance, shelter rehabilitation and makeshift shelter items, including plastic sheets, mattresses and blankets.

A cash voucher distribution in Aleppo governorate is providing $55 a month for six months to 2,000 vulnerable families. Cash support is one of the most dignified ways to deliver aid to affected people, as it enables them to prioritise their own needs. People tell us they have spent the money on bulgur, rice, ghee, lentils, oil, medicines and school supplies. This project is delivered in partnership with International Humanitarian Relief Association (IYD).

Zambia

Below normal rainfall in parts of Zambia have resulted in drought-like conditions that are likely to worsen into 2020. There is a general shortage of food and water, with people having to trek long distances of up to seven kilometres to fetch safe water for domestic use. THe shortage of water and herbage is leading to poor general condition of livestock, and crop failures and inability to sell livestock due to diseases have limited resources for affected people to purchase maize.

Participants in CARE health and nutrition programmes in Kalomo and Choma districts in Southern Province are particularly affected. In the event that the government declares an emergency, CARE would seek emergency funds to respond with cash transfers, supplementary feeding for children under two years old and pregnant and lactating women, and rehabilitation of water points in the 20 wards where CARE has a presence in Choma and Kalomo districts.

Venezuelan crisis

CARE is assisting people in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru as the economic and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the region continues to worsen.

In Venezuela, shortages and price increases of food and medicines mean more than 4 million people have fled from the country, and 25% of households are surviving on remittances - but they can’t keep pace with the inflation. CARE is distributing food through our partner CEPAZ (Centro de Justicia y Paz) in one of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Caracas.

In Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, CARE and our partners have been providing protection, food, water/hygiene, and shelter support to Venezuelan refugees. During the last week, at least 20,000 people entered Ecuador; most of them were families with children in extreme vulnerability. Significant number of children, women and elderly people are living and sleeping on the streets in different Ecuadorian cities, and significant humanitarian and protection needs remain unmet.

• Why did Génesis Gonzales and her young family decide to leave Venezuela? Find out here: A pregnant mother’s harrowing journey

Burkina Faso

The security crisis in the Sahel region with increased fighting between security forces and non-state armed groups, and a resurgence of inter-communal conflicts on both sides of the borders between Niger and Mali, between Mali and Burkina Faso, and between Burkina Faso and Niger. This has led to large-scale population movements, as people flee their homes in search of safer places. More than a million people are affected by displacement and food shortages.

CARE has conducted a Rapid Gender Analysis in four provinces to better understand gender issues and specific needs in order to better address them. The CARE emergency response strategy and approach will be guided by the findings of this study. CARE is currently acquiring relief items for distribution which is expected to resume during the third week of July 2019.

Ebola outbreak in the DRC

Ebola has been ravaging the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since last August, killing over 1,500 so far and infecting more than 2,200. In the past few weeks, the virus has also spread from DRC into neighbouring Uganda.

Lack of security in the locations where the virus has spread, which are also some of the country’s most densely populated areas, as well as limited community engagement in the response are the main reasons why the epidemic has continued to spread. Benoit Munsch, CARE’s country director in the DRC, said:

In order for the humanitarian community’s response to be consistent and reach the most vulnerable communities in urgent need of assistance, we must absolutely ensure that local communities are front and center in the response and empowered with the right tools and information to combat the virus. Everyone involved in the fight to stop Ebola must consult affected communities and listen to their feedback, in order to support them in the most effective way. Listening to feedback from women is absolutely critical. Ebola will not be eliminated until local communities can play a more active role in the response.

CARE started responding to Ebola in DRC in August 2018. Our interventions include community awareness and handwashing stations in schools and local facilities, training of health staff and provision of water and protection equipment, and distribution of necessary kits for personal hygiene and protection, especially for women and girls who are most susceptible to be infected with the virus due to their traditional role in caring for other family members. These kits include hand sanitisers, sanitary pads, soap, and other materials.