Central African Republic News

Bangui/Brazzaville, 11 August  2016 – Amid an ongoing complex humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are working with the country’s Ministry of Health respond to a cholera outbreak declared on 10 August 2016 with 46 confirmed cases and 13 deaths from Djoujou, Damara and Bangui cities.

By Dr Michel Yao
WHO Representative to Central African Republic

Three years of conflict have left a heavy toll on the people of the Central African Republic – a country among the 10 poorest in the world. Nearly one million people are still uprooted from their homes and communities. Half of the total population of 4.6 million people lack access to essential health services. Whilst a peace process slowly takes hold, the people need support to recover and rebuild, and health plays an essential role.

CAR has been experiencing socio-political and military crises for decades, leading to less investment in health system development, including a lack of appropriate health facilities, medical equipment, and qualified health workers (about 250 medical doctors for 4.6 million inhabitants, or five  doctors for every 100,000 people). District health systems are not functional in many regions and community participation in health system management is weak.

Highlights

The security situation continues to be precarious across the Central African Republic. State institutions, rule of law and public services barely function. Since January, sporadic attacks were recorded in Bangui, Bambari, Baboua, Kabo, Batangafo, Markounda, Paoua, Amadagaza, Kouango, Alindao, Mbrès, Bria and Dékoa. These attacks displaced tens of thousands of people, and led to the temporary withdrawal of some NGOs due to increased insecurity and attacks on their vehicles and staff.