Emergency Medical Care in the Central African Republic - Doctors Without Borders 2009

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) is the result of more than a decade of internal conflict and growing criminal violence. Bandits continue to take advantage of the absence of the state in many parts of the country and attack travelers or entire villages. One million people in the CAR including 197 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) now rely on international assistance to meet their basic needs. Key humanitarian needs include food; clean water and sanitation services; emergency medical care; nutritional support; and shelter. CIDA's contribution is supporting Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to help provide a complete package of primary and secondary health care in three health centres/hospitals located in areas without access to medical care. In addition MSF is equipping and staffing 14 health stations in rural areas prone to epidemic emergencies and is conducting monitoring and evaluation activities for the rapid detection of epidemics as well as to help support a rapid response to disease outbreaks. The project is expected to reach an estimated 242 000 beneficiaries.