Central African Republic - Emergency Assistance - Action Against Hunger 2017

Since internal conflict erupted in March 2013 the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) deteriorated rapidly as inter-communal violence spun out of control and led to thousands of deaths massive human displacement and grave human rights abuses. Elections in March 2016 saw the introduction of a new President in CAR that brought a welcome yet short lived calm to the country. Despite the presence of a United Nations peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) communities across CAR continue to be plagued by violence armed criminality and widespread humanitarian needs. Violence flared up again in the fall of 2016 after the head of the armed forces was assassinated in the capital. At present more than 2.2 million people more than half the population require humanitarian assistance over 434 000 people are internally displaced and over 462 000 are living in neighbouring countries as refugees. High levels of instability and looting are hindering partners’ ability to respond to needs relating to widespread food insecurity high levels of child malnutrition and high maternal and child mortality rates. With GAC’s support Action Against Hunger is improving the health and nutritional status of malnourished children in Bangui and surrounding areas. The project focuses on preventing and treating cases of severe acute malnutrition enhancing nutritional surveillance and referral networks and providing psychosocial assistance benefitting up to 65 000 conflict-affected people. Project activities include the provision of: (1) screening of up to 57 600 children under 5 years old for malnutrition; (2) treatment of up to 6 300 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition; and (3) up to 9 400 conflict-affected children and caregivers provided with psychosocial assistance.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to interventions aimed at preventing identifying and treating severe and moderate acute malnutrition; and (2) increased access to services and assistance aimed at protecting the basic rights of conflict-affected people. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.