Cameroon - Humanitarian Assistance - L’Oeuvre Léger 2016

February 2016 - The humanitarian situation in Cameroon’s Far North Region deteriorated significantly through 2015 as Boko Haram violence increasingly spilled across the Nigerian border. The resulting influx of over 60 000 Nigerian refugees and the internal displacement of over 150 000 people is placing growing pressure on what was already the poorest and most vulnerable region of Cameroon. The number of people needing food assistance in 2016 nearly doubled from 2015 rising from 1 to 2 million while acute malnutrition rates in the Far North are at emergency levels. Growing insecurity has also constrained the ability of humanitarian actors to reach those most in need of assistance. With DFATD’s support L’Oeuvre Léger is helping to assist up to 31 300 vulnerable conflict-affected people in Cameroon’s Far North Region. Project activities include: (1) constructing/rehabilitating 21 water points benefitting up to 15 000 people; (2) distributing non-food items benefitting up to 4 000 people; (3) providing primary health care services benefitting up to 5 000 people; (4) screening and treatment of acute malnutrition benefitting up to 300 children under five and the provision of nutritional supplements benefitting up to 2 500 people; (5) providing support for income generating activities benefitting up to 4 500 people.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to water hygiene and sanitation services; (2) improved access to essential household items; (3) improved access to basic health services; (4) improved access to screening and treatment of acute malnutrition; and (5) improved access to livelihoods interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency and reduce negative coping strategies. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.