UNICEF strengthens response to DRC’s worst floods in 60 years, children are dying from malnutrition in North Darfur camp and humanitarian conditions worsen in Mali. Here is what you missed from last week’s headlines in the international development sector.
UNICEF strengthens response to DRC’s worst floods in 60 years and growing cholera outbreak
UNICEF and partners are responding to devastating flooding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the Congo River rising to levels not seen in more than 60 years.
Eighteen out of DRC’s 26 provinces are affected following exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past couple of months, leaving more than 2 million people – nearly 60 per cent children – in need of assistance, according to OCHA estimates. Flood waters have reportedly destroyed or damaged almost 100,000 households, 1,325 schools, and 267 health facilities. Crops have spoiled in waterlogged fields, raising the prospect of food shortages in some places.
With 40 per cent of cholera cases found in areas that are flooded or at risk of flooding, UNICEF has also ramped up efforts to contain an existing outbreak that threatens to spiral out of control. Some weather forecasters are warning of more rain, increasing the possibility that cholera will travel from areas where it is endemic via the Congo River to the urban centre of Kisangani and then to Kinshasa, the capital. In a similar situation in 2017, cholera expanded to the entire country, leading to almost 55,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths.
“Children in the DRC are facing the worst floods in decades and the worst cholera outbreak in years. The rising waters damage their homes and amplify the threat of waterborne diseases, putting them at heightened risk,” said UNICEF’s Representative in the DRC, Grant Leaity. “Without immediate action to provide safe water, sanitation, and healthcare to contain the spread of cholera, widespread flooding could push the number of cases to unprecedented levels.”
Children are dying from malnutrition at a catastrophic rate in North Darfur camp
Malnutrition is causing children to die at a catastrophic rate in a camp for people displaced by violence in Sudan’s North Darfur region, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned, sharing the findings of a malnutrition and mortality survey and calling for an urgent international humanitarian response.
Zamzam is a camp of at least 300,000 people near North Darfur’s regional capital, El Fasher. It was originally formed by people fleeing ethnically targeted violence in the region in 2003. Ever since war broke out between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces in April 2023, camp residents have been cut off from vital humanitarian aid and medical care. UN agencies and international aid organizations evacuated North Darfur after the war began in April and have maintained only a limited presence since then.
“What we are seeing in Zamzam camp is an catastrophic situation,” said Claire Nicolet, head of MSF’s emergency response in Sudan. “Our current estimate is that there are around 13 child deaths each day. Those with severe malnutrition who have not yet died are at high risk of dying within three to six weeks if they do not get treatment. Their condition is treatable if they can get to a health facility, but many cannot.”
Mali: humanitarian conditions worsen as over 4,000 new IDPs arrive in Menaka, warns IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is drawing attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in several regions of Mali, particularly Ménaka. In the last week of January 2024, the IRC recorded over 4,690 people arriving from localities on the outskirts of Menaka due to continuing violence.
In addition to this massive influx of displaced people, the town of Ménaka has been experiencing access problems since December 2023. Prices for basic food items have soared, markets are empty and the few that remain are struggling to cater to the new arrivals and host communities. The scarcity or absence of flights to bring food and medicine to Ménaka only exacerbates the crisis. The influx of displaced people is putting additional pressure on existing resources.
Matias Meier, IRC Country Director for Mali, said: “The humanitarian situation in Mali continues to worsen, with over 7.1 million people in need of assistance. The IRC is working on the front line, providing essential support to the hardest-hit communities. With the current situation in Ménaka, people need everything, starting with the most basic human needs such as water, food, shelter, adequate sanitation, but also because of the particularities of the situation, the protection risks for women, girls and children are of great concern to us. Faced with the current situation, the IRC is conducting visits to the reception site and teams are counting the number of displaced people who have arrived. The IRC, in close collaboration with all its partners, continues to provide assistance to displaced people and host communities in Ménaka.”
The high concentration of people in one place is creating health, food, hygiene, and protection needs. The most vulnerable, including women and children, are exposed to various forms of abuse. This is a disastrous humanitarian situation. Rapid humanitarian action is needed to support the people of Ménaka.
DevelopmentAid Editorials
DevelopmentAid welcomes new partnership with Iceland’s government
DevelopmentAid is proud to welcome the government-run Business Iceland as a new partner. As part of the company’s long-standing commitment to increased global prosperity and well-being, the new partnership with Business Iceland will expand the opportunities for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in Iceland with one year of unlimited, free access to our world-class platform, including:
The pros and cons of the gig economy in developing countries | Experts’ Opinions
According to a recent World Bank report, demand for online gig work is rising rapidly in developing countries. The ‘gig economy’ which involves a workforce of freelancers and part-time employees rather than full time workers, now accounts for approximately 12% of the global workforce, a significantly higher figure than previously estimated. The growing popularity of this model brings both advantages and disadvantages for developing countries. Let’s take a look at these.
Key Takeaways:
- According to the WB, demand for online gig work is growing rapidly while social protection for workers in this segment is still weak.
- Young people are attracted to gig work to earn more, learn new skills, or have the flexibility to combine work with school or other jobs.
- Experts state that the gig economy will play a significant role in the future due to the advantages of this model that are linked to three factors – the internet, digital skills, and automation.
- However, “some companies may move to developed countries where the cost of living is lower and the skill level of employees is higher which will lead to lower living standards in developing countries”.
USAID/BHA proposal development: The next chapter featuring AI | Opinion
The impact of Artificial Intelligence on proposal development and project implementation is inevitable and we have already witnessed generative AI like ChatGPT assisting proposal writers, grant management, and program professionals in NGOs. This impact is also reshaping the way that donors assess proposals and challenging their systems and processes.
This article delves into the possible future of donor and AI interaction — one that may or may not happen or could even go beyond what’s anticipated here. The focus on the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is for good reason because the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the driving force behind BHA, shows a keen willingness to embrace innovations that will bolster the development sector, despite having to navigate certain challenges and negative impacts. USAID’s technological approach, encapsulated in the phrase, ‘Taking smart risks to transform development,’ is a testament to its forward-thinking approach.
Gender inequality in science and technology, despite some progress
While the number of scientists has slightly increased globally over the past few years, in 2021 women still represented only around 33% of the total with this showing that no progress has been made since 2018, according to data by UNESCO. Despite efforts to decrease the gap, women are still under-represented, mainly in those sectors traditionally dominated by men.
Top 10 critical environmental issues and their impact on Earth and humanity
The environmental challenges that we face today pose a threat not only to the natural world but also to our own existence. These problems are intricately linked and demand immediate attention and resolution not only from decision-makers and authorities but also from ordinary people. The fact that international major organizations are paying increasing attention indicates a rising awareness of the need for a coordinated, worldwide response. But is this response possible?
Here’s what else has happened
Gaza: The unrelenting war in Gaza hasn’t spared hospitals, their staff, or the people sheltering there, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said, as it unveiled data indicating more than 350 attacks on healthcare in the enclave since hostilities erupted.
Japan: The Government of Japan has disbursed USD 32 million to support a wide range of operations to be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2024 in line with IOM’s Global Appeal 2024. The funding will enable IOM to help migrants, displaced persons, returnees, and communities affected by crises, conflict, and climate change in 24 countries.
UNICEF: UNICEF is deeply concerned by recent reports highlighting the violence faced and witnessed by children during the current socio-political events in Haiti. UNICEF urges all stakeholders to ensure that children are protected, regardless of their situation.
Afghanistan: A warmer-than-average winter and lack of snow are ominous signs of worsening climatic and drought conditions in Afghanistan which is already suffering its worst drought in 30 years, five international NGOs warned.
Kenya: The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group on 14th December 2023 approved a new five-year Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Kenya. The 2024-2028 CSP focuses on boosting private sector-driven growth through infrastructure development, strategic reforms, and human capital development.
CEPI and PAHO: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations as they strive to enhance regional epidemic and pandemic preparedness and to support infectious disease prevention and response and greater equity in access to vaccines and other health technologies in the Americas.
Reports
WHO meeting report released on mental health content that supports young people
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report following a virtual roundtable meeting held on 4 October 2023, focused on exploring guiding principles for developmentally appropriate online mental health content for young people.
Growth continuing at a modest pace through 2025, inflation declining to central bank targets
Global growth is holding up, while the pace of growth remains uneven across countries and regions, and inflation is still above targets, according to the OECD latest Interim Economic Outlook.
Ireland provided €120.8 million in climate finance in 2022
More than €120 million was provided by Ireland in 2022 to help developing countries tackle climate change, a new report shows. The Climate and Environmental Finance Report 2022 was launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.
The detailed report shows that Ireland provided €120.8 million in 2022, an increase of 21% from 2021.
Events
How to Submit a Competitive Proposal When You’re New to the Market | Webinar
DevelopmentAid, in collaboration with Trust Consultancy and Development, invites you to attend the webinar on “How to Submit a Competitive Proposal When You’re New to the Market” which will take place on 20 February 2024 at 3 pm (Brussels)/9 am (Washington DC).
Key takeaways
- Understanding the dynamics of submitting competitive proposals as a newcomer.
- Insights into the proposal development process and strategies for success.
- Overcoming challenges and leveraging strengths when entering a new market.
- Tips to craft compelling proposals that stand out to international NGOs and donors.
Climate and Clean Air Conference 2024
📅 21 – 23 February 2024
Nairobi, Kenya
The annual meeting of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) will take place from 21 to 23 February 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya on the margins of the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
The Climate and Clean Air Conference 2024 will bring together CCAC Partner representatives to discuss the latest science and policy, share best practices, and develop a shared agenda in key emitting sectors like agriculture, waste, fossil fuels, household energy, heavy-duty vehicles and engines, and cooling.
