- 70 percent shortfall in funding for the humanitarian response
- Action Against Hunger has witnessed a sharp increase in malnutrition in the far north, treating 64 per cent more children than had been projected for the period
- Hospitals and schools have been looted, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation
Action Against Hunger teams are currently caring for more than 7,350 children under the age of 5 suffering from severe acute malnutrition, compared with the 4,766 expected during this period. This is an increase of 64 per cent. It is also estimated that more than 230,000 people are currently experiencing food insecurity in the area.
The resurgence of attacks by armed groups in recent months in the far north of the country is extremely concerning. Between October and December 2019, the number of attacks increased by 72.5%. Nearly 140 attacks occurred during the two last months of the year. These figures are unprecedented since 2016.
These attacks have resulted in further displacement of the population. More than 460,000 people are now estimated to have been displaced in the north of the country as a result of violence, with a 10% rise between April and December 2019.
Aurélie Carmeille, Action Against Hunger Country Director in Cameroon, said:
“In some areas, such as around Kolofata, more than 80% of the population are spending the night away from their homes and coming back only during the day due to fear of attacks.
“Health facilities have been looted which is heaping even more pressure on the situation as both the capacity and access to these vital facilities is reduced. This is particularly alarming as many of the most vulnerable people are pregnant women and children under five/”
“Despite the sharp increase in needs observed by our teams on the ground, we don’t have the resources to meet the growing demands. Cameroon needs urgent investment if INGOs are going to be able to respond effectively”
This deterioration of the security situation is leading to a deterioration in the nutritional situation in certain border areas, and the creation of localities which are insufficiently resourced to manage the growing levels of severe acute malnutrition, the most serious form of undernourishment.
An urgent donor effort is needed to meet the needs of the people in this region.
Notes to editors
- Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organisation that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We save the lives of malnourished children and work with their communities before and after disaster strikes. We ensure that everyone can access clean water, food, training and healthcare. We enable people to provide for themselves and we constantly search for more effective solutions, while sharing our knowledge and expertise with the world. We push for long-term change. We will never give up. Until the world is free from hunger.
- In 2018, Action Against Hunger helped more than 21 million people in nearly 50 countries around the world.
