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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what discussions the Department has had with non-governmental organisations on efforts to prevent cholera, gastro- enteritis, diarrhoea and dehydration in the refugee camps in and around Monrovia, Liberia. [128221] Hilary Benn: DFID has had a humanitarian assessment mission in Liberia since 15 August 2003, which has conducted assessments into the needs of the displaced populations in and around Monrovia. With overcrowding in the centres of displacement, and inadequate water and sanitation facilities, diarrhoeal diseases are reported to have increased, and cholera has been recorded (1,203 new cases were registered between 11 and 17 August in Monrovia, up from 727 cases in the previous week). We have had detailed discussions with the NGOs that are working in the health sector. Epidemic prevention measures are under way, and adequate quantities of supplies have been flown in and pre-positioned. An inter-NGO task force is monitoring the situation and coordinating prevention efforts. To date, we have committed £2.9 million in 2003 to the NGOs and international agencies providing health care in and around Monrovia. We have committed a further £4.7 million for additional humanitarian support. We are currently reviewing proposals submitted to us.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

128221; 410 c84-5W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Development aid Disease control Refugees Non-governmental organisations Liberia Cholera Migrant camps Diarrhoea Dehydration Gastroenteritis

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk