A WEEKLY REPORT ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS CONCERNING RELIEF OPERATIONS
IN SOUTHERN SUDAN

ACF REQUESTED TO SUSPEND PROGRAMMES . . .

In a letter dated 22 September, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) were formally notified by the SRRA that they must discontinue all programmes and leave all SPLM/A-controlled areas of southern Sudan by 26 September, on security grounds. All ACF personnel left their programme locations in Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria over the weekend of 27-28 September. The departure from Bahr el Ghazal went smoothly with the local SRRA officials assisting ACF with relocation of all agency assets. In Nimule and Labone, ACF were not permitted to remove agency assets such as vehicles and radios.

Negotiations between OLS, donors, SRRA and ACF are underway to see if the situation can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

50 MINORS REUNIFED WITH THEIR FAMILIES . . .

Fifty unaccompanied minors and 32 teachers were reunified with their families in Bor County on 21 September after a separation of between three to seven years. All the minors, of which 27 were girls, were below 15 years of age. Along with the minors were 32 teachers, who completed a three-month teacher training course in New Cush displaced camp under the auspices of Radda Barnen and UNICEF in conjunction with the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association. The teachers originally came to the camp as unaccompanied minors. Save the Children Fund-UK (SCF-UK) provided lorries for the reunification which took place in Paluer and Nomakon.

HEALTH COORDINATION MEETING HELD . . .

OLS agencies involved in health programmes held their quarterly coordination meeting between 17- 19 September. The participants used the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the global recognition of maternal and reproductive health as a Kick-off point for the meeting. Among issues discussed were Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) and Maternal & Child Health (MCH) worker training. The sleeping sickness outbreak in Western Equatoria was also addressed and agencies involved in its control reported that fund raising is underway for additional measures.

The Center for Disease Control (Atlanta, USA) is lending its support to health programmes in southern Sudan through the assessment of the current Expanded Programme on Immunisation. A CDC staff member will be visiting NGOs and counterparts over the next two months to study immunisation activities under way, with particular reference to polio eradication.

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT UPDATE . . .

The assessment exercise is now in its final stages and the last locations are being visited by the assessment teams. Raw data has already been entered and preliminary analysis is underway. Each team has compiled short summaries of the locations they have visited and there are being editing. Aburoc, one of the final assessment locations, is still not cleared for assessment due to insecurity but is being monitored by OLS security officers.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During the period between 15-20 September, WFP delivered a total of 537.84 Mts of food commodities to 94,500 beneficiaries in southern Sudan.

Of this total, 70.84 Mts of cereals, pulses, oil, DSM, and CSB were delivered in support of 3,442 beneficiaries through programs conducted by the following NGOs: Veterinaires Sans Frontieres—Switzerland and Belgium Diocese of Torit, Medecins Sans Frontieres—Holland, World Vision International, Christian Mission Aid, Norwegian Peoples Aid, and MEDIC. A total of 59.4 Mts were delivered to Mayom, a Government location, serving 3,500 beneficiaries.

8 October 1997

SEVERE MALNUTRITION ALERT AT LUGWARE . . .

Following reports of civilians needing assistance along the Yei-Lainya-Jambo road (Western Equatoria), a WFP team undertook an assessment between 2-3 October. The team reported the status of the populations of Lugware and Wonduruba to be poor and recommended emergency assistance. A joint WFP/UNICEF team returned to the location on 8 October to administer the nutrition assistance. UNICEF will oversee a rapid nutritional assessment to further establish the status of the beneficiaries. The intervention should be complete by 14 October.

RETURNEES IN MADING . . .

On 3 October, International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported an influx of returnees to Mading (Upper Nile). Of the 650 returnees identified, 242 were from Khartoum and 408 from Ethiopia. Some of the returnees indicated that there had been several deaths along their journey to Mading. Possible interventions to assist this group are being investigated.

NIDS PLANNING UNDERWAY . . .

Planning for National lmmunisation Days (NIDs) activities in southern Sudan have begun. Meetings have been held between the Centres for Disease Control representative (CDC) and the medical coordinators of RASS, SRRA and NGOs implementing health programmes. The goal of the NIDs is to vaccinate all children in southern Sudan against polio within a short period. The vaccination will consist of two rounds, four to six weeks apart. Logistical and programmatic obstacles are being identified as part of the process.

GUINEA WORM ERADICATION MEETING HELD . . .

A regional guinea worm eradication programme meeting was held in Sanaa, Yemen between 29 September-3 October bringing together programme managers from the Anglophone countries of Africa. It was announced that significant reductions of new cases in the Eastern and Western Equatoria regions of southern Sudan had been achieved as a direct result of the eradication programme. Participants lauded the efforts of the southern Sudan team. Recommendations and plans of action for 1998 will be available when the meeting proceedings are published.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During the period between 1-4 October, WFP delivered a total of 592.62 Mts of food commodities to 49,265 beneficiaries in southern Sudan.

Of this total, 2.44 Mts of cereals, pulses, oil, DSM, and CSB were delivered in support of 855 beneficiaries through programs conducted by the following NGOs: Vetennaires Sans Frontieres—Belgium, Diocese of Torit, Medecins Sans Frontieres—Belgium, Norwegian Church Aid. and Radda Barnen.

15 October 1998

FARMERS TRAINED IN AKOC . . .

On 3 October, a total of 118 farmers held a graduation ceremony after successfully completing a one month ox-plough training in Akoc, Twic County of Bahr el Ghazal conducted by Sudan Production Aid (SUPRAID). The ceremony was attended by among others the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association (SRRA) secretary for Twic County as well as the Christian Aid Sudan Programme Officer. This project has been considered a success given the initial reluctance of the plough due to the cultural value placed on cattle. During the ceremony, the farmers sang songs of praise and encouraged the use of bulls in farming, an indication that SUPRAIDs sensitizing efforts within the community have been received well.

TEACHER TRAINING UNDERWAY . . .

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) began a three-week Level I and II teacher training course in Yambio with a total of 80 students. The students, who come from around the area were selected in conjunction with SRRA officers in charge of education. The students will be recruited into local schools upon completion of the course.

CHW/MCH WORKERS TRAINED IN GANYIEL . . .

In Ganyiel, 32 students graduated from a nine-month Community Health Worker (CHW) and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) worker training course conducted by International Rescue Committee (IRC) in close liaison with the Relief Association of South Sudan (RASS). The students have been selected by IRC, Christian Mission Aid (CMA), Medecins du Monde (MDM), Coordinating Committee of the Organisation of Voluntary Services (COSV), and Medicins Sans Frontieres—Belgium (MSF-B) from their various areas of operation including Mading, Ganyiel, Manajang, Wichoi, Manhen, Nval, Akobo and Nval. These NGOs will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the students.

GUINEA WORM ERADICATION MEETING HELD . . .

A regional guinea worm eradication programme meeting was he!d in Sanaa, Yemen between 29 September-3 October bringing together programme managers from the Anglophone countries of Africa. It was announced that significant reductions of new cases in the Eastern and Western Equatoria regions of southern Sudan had been achieved as a direct result of the eradication programme. Participants lauded the efforts of the southern Sudan team. Recommendations and plans of action for 1998 will be available when the meeting proceedings are published.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During the period between 5-11 October, WFP delivered a total of 577.42 Mts of food commodities to 85,472 beneficiaries in southern Sudan.

Of this total, 4.52 Mts of cereals, pulses, oil, DSM, and CSB were delivered in support of 411 beneficiaries through programmes conducted by the following NGOs: Veterinaires Sans Frontieres—Switzerland, COSV, CMA, Diocese of Torit, IRC, Norwegian Church Aid, and MSF-Holland.

ADRA STAFF MEMBER DEATH . . .

On behalf of the Operation Lifeline Sudan consortium, the OLS Coordinator would like to extend his condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Narie Capilitan, an ADRA staff member who died in Maridi (Western Equatoria), on 6 October. Ms Capilitan died from a short illness.

CORRECTION . . .

The last sentence of item three in the OLS Update of 8 October was incomplete. The sentence should read as follows: logistical and programmatic obstacles are being identified as part of the process.

WOMEN'S TRAINING COURSE IN KOTOBI . . .

UNICEF and the Mundri Relief and Development Association (MRDA) are currently conducting a two-week intensive English training course for women in Kotobi, Western Equatoria. A total of 47 women are participating and have been selected from Mundri County by women's groups in conjunction with SRRA and MRDA field staff. As further incentive for the women to take advantage of their training, they will receive teacher emergency package kits to enable them to assist in schools in their area. MRDA and SRRA will monitor the women's progress after the course.

SLEEPING SICKNESS RESPONSE UNDERWAY . . .

In Tambura County, International Medical Corps (IMC) and CARE personnel have began treatment and control of the sleeping sickness epidemic. IMC aims to decrease morbidity and mortality by initiating an immediate treatment programme and reestablishing a regional sleeping sickness surveillance/control programme to prevent the re-occurrence of the disease. CARE will oversee project logistics while IMC will manage medical activities. An epidemic of sleeping sickness is defined as a prevalence of greater than 2 per cent of a defined area. Tambura County and adjoining payams are reported to have 20 per cent of men, women and children affected. The programme has a tentative duration of 12-months.

GUINEA WORM INTERVENTION IN MUNDRI . . .

The Carter Centre begins a one-month assessment of guinea worm occurrence in Mundri County east of Yei river this week. MRDA is currently conducting a health assessment of the area for proposed primary health care activities and will be joined by Carter Centre personnel to assist in the guinea worm assessment. This is a joint SRRA, MRDA and Carter Centre initiative.

ASSESSMENT OF LABONI AND NIMULE PLANNED . . .

A joint food security and nutritional assessment of Laboni and Nimule areas is planned for the first week of November. The assessment was an Action Contre la Faim (ACF) initiative in conjunction with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with support from ECHO and USAID. Due to ACF's expulsion from southern Sudan, UNICEF will be the focal point for the exercise in conjunction with WFP, CRS, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Norwegian Church Aid. Agencies participating in this exercise will hold a planning meeting on 23 October.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During the period between 12-18 October, WFP delivered a total of 374 Mts of food commodities to 97,052 beneficiaries in southern Sudan from Lokichokio and Koboko.

Of this total, seven Mts of cereals, pulses, oil, DSM, and CSB were delivered in support of 1,332 beneficiaries through programmes conducted by the following NGOs: Comitato Collaborazione Medica, IRC, Comboni Sisters, Radda Barnen, Healthnet International, Adventise Development Relief Agency, Medecins du Monde, UNICEF, Association of Christian Resource Organisations Serving Sudan Veterinaires Sans Frontieres—Switzerland, Coordinating Committee for Voluntary Service, Christian Mission Aid, and Medecins Sans Frontieres—Holland and Belgium. These programmes were implemented in Akot, Nzara, Leer, Mangken, Chukudum, Mankien, Manajang, Turalei, Maridi, Yambio and Nyal.

5 November 1997

OLS TO BRING CONTINUED ASSISTANCE TO EQUATORIA DISPLACED . . .

Following assessments conducted by UNICEF, OLS NGOs and WFP, relief assistance will continue to displaced populations in four locations in Eastern Equatoria. The displaced groups have reportedly moved to four general areas: Katigiri, Tulyang, Lugware and Wonduruba with a total population estimated at over 13,500.

A UNICEF Health field officer visited Lugware and Wonduruba on 8-10 October and reported that 200 of 500 children assessed showed signs of moderate malnutrition. An additional 20 children were reported to be severely malnourished. The Health Officer distributed 524kg of High Protein Biscuits to those in need, including 48 pregnant women who showed signs of malnutrition. Another three Mts of CSB/UN~X has been positioned in Yei for use if needed.

WFP has conducted an assessment of food needs and will be distributing some 128 Mts of cereals during the week. Two additional distribution sites have also been recommended, as some people have long distances to walk to access food in Wonduruba or Lugware. An indigenous NGO called Sudan Service International (SSI) working under OLS NGO International Aid Sweden (IAS) distributed tools in July and IAS distributed blankets during October.

Identified needs included health services, food assistance and repairs to local water pumps. Each of these needs will be addressed by OLS in the coming weeks.

UNICEF/OLS PLANNING RETREAT COMPLETE . . .

UNICEF/OLS southern sector held a planning retreat with the aim of action. The retreat participants, including representatives from OLS NGOs and WFP, were divided into several working groups which dealt with different issues relevant to OLS activities in the coming year. Towards the end of the retreat, donors were invited for a summary and dialogue on the retreat's conclusions on priorities and strategies to address areas of need in 1998.

CCM TO HOST VISITING SURGEON . . .

Dr Tom Raasen of AMREF will visit the Billing hospital on behalf of Comitato Collaborazione Medica (CCM) from 17-22 November to perform surgery on women suffering from Vescico Vaginal Fistlae (VVF). VVF is found in women of child bearing age and causes severe complications during and after labour. CCM has run medical and surgical programmes in Rumbek County since 1992 and supervises the Billing hospital.

SLEEPING SICKNESS MEETING HELD . . .

Agencies involved in the control and treatment of sleeping sickness met at the International Medical Corps (IMC) offices on 28 October to discuss a joint strategy to combat the sleeping sickness disease. Separate strategies are being developed for each county of Western Equatoria and a strategy outline document will be distributed to OLS donors and NGOs at the beginning of November. IMC is coordinating the sleeping sickness intervention on behalf of OLS agencies.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During the period between 19-25 October, WFP delivered a total of 192.5 Mts of food commodities to 101,308 beneficiaries in southern Sudan from Lokichokio and Koboko. Assessments are underway in Koch, Duar and Chotbora.

58.75 Mts of cereals, pulses, oil, DSM, and CSB were delivered in support of 9,990 beneficiaries through programmes conducted by the following NGOs: Comitato Collaborazione Medica SCF-UK, Adventist Development Relief Agency, UNICEF, Norwegian People's Aid and Medecins Sans Frontieres>

—Belgium. These programmes were implemented in Mapel, Billing, Adior, Chukudum, Lugware, Manajang, and Yei.

13 November 1997

FLIGHT CLEARANCE LIST FOR NOVEMBER . . .

The Government of Sudan has approved the November flight clearance lists for Lokichokio-based flights into southern Sudan with the following exceptions:

— Ajiep, Akak, Theik Thou, Akon, Mayen Abun, Agaigai, Panyagor, Yomciir and the Nuba Mountains.

Clearances were received on Friday, 31 October. OLS Southern Sector welcomes the timely notification of flight clearances as a significant and positive contribution to ongoing humanitarian efforts.

NUTRITION STUDY IN LABONE . . .

A team comprised of staff from UNICEF, SRRA, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) travelled to Labone on 12 November to carry out a nutrition study of the area. The team will also assess the Nimule and Aswa areas on 15 November. Results of the survey will determine if there is a need for nutritional assistance to the areas.

NGO STAFF TEMPORARILY RELOCATE FROM AYEIN . . .

Two OLS staff were temporarily relocated by road from Ayein on 10 November due to reports of insecurity. The reports proved to be unfounded and they have returned to the area to resume relief activities.

FRRA/UNICEF WORKSHOP UNDERWAY . . .

A five-day organizational assessment workshop is currently taking place in Aburoc with a total of 30 people participating. The workshop, a joint FRRA/UNICEF initiative with MEDAIR participation, aims to look at FRRA's vision, mission and structure. The recommendations from the workshop will form the basis of an FRRA plan of action.

WORKSHOP IN MAPEL TARGETS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES . . .

A soap-making and blacksmith workshop, initiated by Save the Children fund (SCF)-UK and the SRRA, is taking place in Mapel, with 30 participants from the Kwajina and Wau County communities. The course aims to encourage self-sustaining projects through skills training. Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF)—Belgium personnel are also attending the workshop.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During 1-8 November, a total of 638 Mts was delivered to 125,810 beneficiaries in various locations in southern Sudan. In Bahr el Ghazal, 318 Mts were delivered to 63,650 beneficiaries in Lunyaker and Turalei. In Jonglei and Upper Nile, 35 Mts were delivered to 18,850 beneficiaries in Duar. In Equatoria, 288 Mts were distributed to 45,420 beneficiaries in Yei, Morobo, Wonduruba, Luware and Tulyang. Ongoing distributions in Boma were also completed.

During 1-8 November, cereals, pulses, CSB and dry skim milk was provided to 701 beneficiaries through the programmes of Comitato Collaborizione Medica, IRC, MSF-Belgium, MSF-Holland, SCF-UK, Adventist Development and Relief Association, Christian Mission Aid, MEDAIR and Aktion Akrika Hilfe.

19 November 1997

YEI/KAJO KEJI ASSESSMENT UNDERWAY . . .

A combined SRRA-UNICEF/OLS assessment is currently underway of the Mundri/Yei/Kajo Keji areas for Juba and Torit emergency preparedness contingency planning. The assessment, comprised mainly of SRRA and UNICEF/OLS staff, but with cooperation from WFP and NGOs on the ground, will target at least seven locations in Yei and Mundri and at least two locations in Kajo Keji County. The objective of the mission is to examine and put into place mechanisms to respond rapidly to emergency in order to save lives and preserve well being, within the coordination framework; already established by the SRRA. Among other things, the assessment will look at population sizes, water sources, available shelter materials, arable land, possible assistance from local communities, health infrastructure and facilities, regional demographics, access to communities, and non-food needs. The team aims to conclude the assessment by 26 November.

AMBASSADOR VAN SCHAIK TO VISIT OLS . . .

The Secretary General's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs for the Sudan is currently in the region to continue meetings with Government officials, OLS, and all parties concerned with humanitarian issues in Sudan. This is his second visit to the region having assumed the position earlier this year.

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION DAYS TEAM PREPARING IN NAIROBI . . .

Staff from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have arrived in Nairobi and are preparing to visit Lokichokio and southern Sudan as part of the worldwide campaign to eradicate polio. The team, comprised of a public health practitioner, a public health physician and an expert in cold chain logistics, will lead the advocacy, education and immunization programme over a four-month period in areas around southern Sudan.

WFP UPDATE . . .

During 9-15 November, a total of 627 Mts was delivered to 95,288 beneficiaries in various locations in southern Sudan. Targeted distributions took place in Knlok, Kalacha, Lochoriangmop, Kaludo, Mogos, Lachua, Morurengen, Narus, Kokmerek, Duar, Natinga, Wullu, Lainya and Pakula.

During 9-15 November, cereals, pulses, CSB and dry skim milk was provided to 1,265 beneficiaries through the food-for-work and supplementary feeding programmes of NGOs in Mapel, Langken, Paluer, Chukudum, Pakor, Akobo, Narui, Billing, Leer, Manajang, Lokutok and Ikotoi.

CORRECTION . . .

The 13 November weekly report included the SRRA in the composition of an OLS team currently running a flood security assessment in Labone The SRRA, while facilitating and supporting the assessment, is not an actual member of the team.

26 November 1997

GENDER/NUTRITION WORKSHOP UNDERWAY . . .

UNICEF and NGOs involved in nutrition activities are holding their quarterly coordination workshop in Nairobi from 25-28 November. Unlike previous meetings, this workshop will bring a gender perspective into programme planning. The meeting will look at ways to make nutrition interventions more gender responsive with the objective of identifying gender issues and concerns that have an impact on effective malnutrition identification and nutritional interventions. The workshop will also develop guidelines for OLS agencies in gender. responsive interventions.

Among issues to be discussed, will be the outcome of a recent nutritional study on traditional weaning practices in South Sudan. Also of importance will be the women's role in food production and processing practices in southern Sudan.

All of the NGOs participating in the workshop are currently involved in nutritional interventions in southern Sudan.

HUMANITARIAN PRINCIPLES PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES . . .

The Humanitarian Principles programme hosted a two-day Ground Rules workshop this week in Ikotos. The workshop, a joint SRRA/OLS venture, is part of the ongoing effort to disseminate information about the OLS Ground Rules around southern Sudan. The Humanitarian Principles programme is also hosting a legal aid clinic for women in grass roots settings. This workshop aims to sensitize women to international legal norms as found in the Convention on the elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

WFP UPDATE . . .

During 16-22 November, a total of 1,857 Mts was delivered to 108,914 beneficiaries in various locations in southern Sudan. Targeted distributions took place in: Wullu and Lunyaker, Bahr el Ghazal; Kolmerek, Wiernyol and Paluer, Upper Nile/Jonglei. and Napotpot, Kalacha, Katigiri, Rubeke, Logo, Tore and Lolim, Equatoria.

During 16-22 November, 120 Mts of cereals, pulses, CSB and dry skim milk was provided to 5,774 beneficiaries through the food-for-work and supplementary feeding programmes of OLS NGOs Medecins sans Frontieres-Holland, international Rescue Committee, the Diocese of Torit/Sudan Medical Care, MEDAIR, Christian Mission Aid, Medecins sans Save the Children Fund—UK, UNICEF, Medecins du Monde and MEDIC.

3 December 1997

UPDATE ON SLEEPING SICKNESS INTERVENTIONS . . .

The International Medical Corps (IMC) have begun treatment of Stage II sleeping sickness patients at the Tambura County Hospital. Planning for Stage I treatment is ongoing in the Ezo centre, which will include selection and training of staff. IMC's team of two doctors, two nurses and one site manager are also in the process of designing active case detection forms, staging forms and the initiation of a computerized data programme to improve the efficiency of identifying priority patients and treatment. Thus far, 31 patients have been treated in Tambura while another 73 are either in the treatment process or expected for treatment. Finally, a prevslence survey was conducted in Mabia on 24 November and surveys in Mupoi and Moso areas will be conducted soon.

IRC STAFF RELOCATED FROM MARIAL BAI . . .

Staff of the OLS NGO International Rescue Committee (IRC) relocated from Marial Bai to an area 40 minutes away 30 December following reports of cattle raiding. They returned to Marial Bai on 1 December.

WFP STAFF RELOCATE FROM AYEIN . . .

On 27 November, WFP staff in Ayein were advised to evacuate due to reports of possible insecurity nearby. The two-person team flew to Lohchokio on 28 November.

IKOTOS ROAD ASSESSED . . .

A consultancy team, comprised of staff from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and UNICEF, is currently undertaking a road rehabilitation assessment on the road between New Cush and Ikotos. The assessment is taking place in response to a proposal submitted by the SRRA inviting NGOs to assist with repairs to the road that services all of the organizations operating in Chukudum, Ikotos, Lotukei and other areas in Eastern Equator.

EDUCATION WORKSHOP HELD IN KOTOBI . . .

The Mundri Relief and Development Association (MRDA) has been facilitating a two-week Supervisors Review workshop in Kotobi, with a total of 50 participants from Maridi, Mundri, Yambio and Yei areas. The workshop, which ended on 30 November, focused on identifying new teacher Supervisors, evaluating the performance of existing Supervisors and planning for a second Supervisors course. The workshop was supported by Christian Aid and SRRA Education Coordinators from the areas involved.

SHOOTING IN YAMBIO . . .

On 27 November, an armed man shot and killed the wife of the Anglican Bishop of Yambio and at least one other person before killing himself in what appeared to be a family related matter. OLS NGOs in the area, while shocked by the incident. were not endangered and activities continue as normal.

31 December 1997