ReliefWeb

Cash-based Interventions were launched in Mulongwe site, through provider Vodacash. 711 households received SIM cards (out of 850 households planned) which will allow them to receive multi-purpose cash for shelter, education and to start incomegenerating activities.

On 15th March, 78 recently arrived vulnerable refugees from CAR staying with host families in Gbadolite area, were relocated to Inke camp, to ensure better access to assistance.

From 14th to 18th March, UNHCR provided 2,139 non-food items kits to internally displaced persons in Katanika II site near the town of Kalemie (Tanganyika province).

Update on Achievements

Burundian refugees

■ 562 Burundian refugees were transferred to Mulongwe site from transit centers during the month, bringing the total number of refugees accommodated on the site to 3,230.
Moreover, construction works continued, with 51 common dorms completed and other 12 under construction.

■ Three unaccompanied refugee children were reunited with their families in Burundi after evaluation of the security situation and since the family environment was deemed favorable to the psychosocial development of the children.

■ Six cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) were reported in Mulongwe and Lusenda sites, including four cases of physical aggression and two cases of rape of minors. The survivors were referred for medical treatment and received psycho-social support.

■ UNHCR partner ActionAid distributed cash vouchers to refugees in Mulongwe site to let them pay school fees to cover the second term for their children. The cash-based approach was judged to have a strong impact as 74% of households who received the voucher paid school fees for their children. ActionAid will continue to conduct sensitization activities to encourage parents to pay the fees with the money received. In Lusenda camp, refugees were to receive cash vouchers in April.

■ UNHCR partner ActionAid distributed 102 school kits from Education Cluster stock to primary school children in Kasese School, near Mulongwe site.

■ The 1st of March, the Katalukulu Health Center was inaugurated after rehabilitation by operational partner AFPDE (Association des Femmes pour la Promotion du Developpement Endogene). The Center is integrated in the national public health system and will be managed by UNHCR medical partner ADES. Refugees will receive free healthcare and locals will benefit from reduced fees. Four shower blocs were also completed for the center to ensure better hygiene for patients.

■ Health partner ADES started to provide HIV patients in Lusenda camp with antiretroviral treatments at Lusenda Health Post. Therefore, patients do no longer have to go to Nundu General Hospital for the treatments.

■ Cash distribution for food purchase was organized by UNHCR and WFP between 9th and 15th March in Lusenda camp. The amount of the WFP cash voucher has been reduced by 20% (from 15 $ to 12$ per person), due to funding shortages.

■ UNHCR acquired a drilling machine for wells. 12 UNHCR and partner staff were trained on its use. The drilling machine will significantly improve the access to drinking water in refugee hosting structures.

■ 8,557 women and girls in reproductive age received hygiene kits, including underwear, a 3 liters bucket, 300 gr of soap and 3 packs of absorbent cotton.

■ Cash-based Interventions were launched in Mulongwe site, through provider Vodacash. 711 households received SIM cards (out of 850 households planned) that will allow them to receive multi-purpose cash for shelter, education and to start income-generating activities. The plan is to reach 2,000 households by the end of the year.

■ 16 new biomass briquette production associations were created in Lusenda camp and 15 others in Mulongwe site bringing up to 40 the number of production associations.