United Nations agencies visit Somali capital of Mogadishu

(New York:  16 January 2007):  The United Nations today conducted its first inter-agency assessment mission to the Somali capital of Mogadishu since the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) assumed control of southern Somalia.  

The one-day mission allowed agency representatives to meet with TFG leaders, civil society organizations, and staff of United Nations agencies and other humanitarian partners to discuss humanitarian priorities, coordination and the way forward for humanitarian operations in the country.

The need for unrestricted access to all civilian populations in need of assistance in Somalia is one of the humanitarian community's stated priorities. In particular, concern has been expressed over situation of several thousands displaced Somalis currently waiting at the border between Kenya and Somalia, a border which has remained closed for nearly two weeks. Residents and displaced persons, who would normally cross the border to Liboi (on the Kenya side) for medical care, have been unable to do so. As a result, a number of people suffering from dysentery, diarrhoea, and malaria are reportedly going untreated.

However, a one-month ration of World Food Programme (WFP) food aid has been distributed to 6000 IDPs and 12,000 residents of Dobley by the Somali non-governmental organization (NGO) Wajir South Development Association (WASDA). In total, 356 metric tonnes (MT) of food aid was distributed.

Elsewhere in southern Somalia, the World Health Organization (WHO) is continuing support to major hospitals by providing medicines, medical supplies and fuel. Mobile health clinics in Jamame and Jilib are also operating once more. WHO is also investigating the increase in cases of diarrhoea in Beletweyne, in central Somalia, which could indicate cholera. The area's cholera task force, which includes representatives of the WHO and international and local NGOs, as well as the local water supply and district authorities, will open a temporary treatment centre within Beletweyne hospital to deal with the increase in diarrhoea cases.

The WHO has also expressed concern over the possibility of a Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak in southern Somalia. According to the latest figures, the total number of suspected human cases of RVF in the Afmadow district of Somalia is 27, with 11 deaths. In Kenya, where an RVF outbreak has been confirmed, 248 cases of the disease have been reported, with 95 deaths.

Meanwhile, in northern Somalia, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is conducting a one-month needs assessment in Galkayo region, which is host to some 35,000 IDPs living in 14 locations, including 12,000 newly displaced by the recent conflict. During the mission, UNHCR also intends to deliver basic shelter and other non-food assistance to the displaced.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570.