Support Children in Gambian Villages along Casamance Boarder

UNICEF Representative, Cheryl Gregory Faye, visited Gambian villages bordering Casamance, to monitor the UNICEF initiatives, as part of the UNHCR-led UN Inter-Agency Emergency Response to the influx of refugees to the Foni-Bintang-Karanai region.

As of last month, immigration officials, UNHCR and The Gambia Red Cross Society registered 5,300 Senegalese refugees in the Fonis, most of whom are children and women. As an outcome of UNICEF’s assessment on the needs of the children and women in the affected villages, a vaccination campaign was conducted, as were interventions in water, sanitation and hygiene.

To avert the possibility of a measles outbreak, UNICEF found it necessary to undertake a measles vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation exercise, which took place from September 19-21. the campaign targeted refugee children, being that their Gambian counterparts were ready covered through the government’s routine Expanded Programme on Immunization Services (EPI).

Mrs. Faye visited some of the 1,226 children that benefited from the campaign. “In emergency situations such as this, it is imperative to assess and respond rapidly, not only to alleviate any burdens, but also to prevent possible disasters,” said Mrs. Faye. “This is also a prime example of working collectively. The Gambia government, the UN System led by UNHCR, non-governmental organizations and the international community have all been putting our heads together and working on the ground, to help the refugees and reduce the burden on Gambian host families."

Projects to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, due to the increased number in habitants in the surrounding villages, have also been implemented. Through UNICEF support, the Department of Community Development is currently constructing 60 improved pit latrines in Gambian villages along side the Casamance border.

During the first week of September the Department of Water Resources (DWR) chlorinated 84 water resources within 33 villages, also with UNICEF support. Pa Ousman Jarju, Director of Water Resources accompanied the Representative on the trip, and stressed the necessity for clean, uncontaminated water, to keep the area untouched by cholera.

Working as one of UNICEF’s implementing partners, Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) distributed 14,000 bars of soap, provided by UNICEF to promote personal hygiene and prevention of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera.

During her visit, Mrs. Faye met with the school children of Janack village and their headmaster. “It is encouraging to see that this school has enrolled 6 refugee children. The academic year has just begun and UNICEF will support the Regional Education Office to ensure that all children are enrolled and that their educational rights amongst others are realized.” Said Mrs. Faye.

About UNICEF For 60 years UNICEF has been the world’s leader for children, working on the ground in 156 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For further information please contact: Begay Downes-Thomas, UNICEF Banjul, 449-4760 or 707-7118 Email: bdownesthomas@unicef.org