Highlights
The total number of Burundian refugees in Rwanda increased to 75,551 with 1,684 new arrivalssince February. More than 48,000 refugees are now living in Mahama camp.
Cases of severe acute malnutrition among children 6- 59 months living in the camp continue to decline, with currently 42 children enrolled for treatment.
The typhoid outbreak is under control, with an effective health and WASH response.
Water provision in Mahama camp remaines stable, with clean water supply of 21 litres/day/person. Construction of 50 durable sanitation facilities was completed over the past month.
The number of unaccompanied children is gradually decreasing.
In March, more than 100 children previously registered as unaccompanied were referred for reunification with family members identified inside Mahama camp.The integration of Burundian refugee students into the national education system is almost completed, with 19,422 students enrolled to date. However, the shortage of teaching and learning materials and the capacity of teachers to deliver quality teaching remain key challenges.
IN NUMBERS
75,551 Burundian refugees now in Rwanda
48,406 Hosted at Mahama refugee camp
50% are children
Main Issues
Shortage of teaching and learning material and capacity of teachers
Increased reporting on issues related to child labour, teenage pregnancy and early marriage
Malaria and upper respiratory diseases due to prolonged rainy season
UNICEF Funding Requirements $3,385,000
46% Funding Gap
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
According to the Government of Rwanda, as of 23 March 2016 the number of Burundian refugees had reached 75,551, with 48,406 registered in Mahama Camp. The remaining refugees are in reception centres (approximately 3,500) or in Kigali and other urban areas (approximately 23,500). The total number of refugees in Rwanda has slightly increased since February, with UNHCR registering nearly 1,700 additional Burundian refugees since last month.
In March, the provision of clean water to more than 48,000 refugees in Mahama camp and reception centres remained steady at 21 litres of water per person per day, exceeding the minimum standards.
During the reporting period cases of malnutrition continued to reduce, and only 42 children with SAM are remaining on treatment.
UNICEF-supported immunization activities, including polio and measles campaigns, have to date covered a cumulative total of 25,667 children, and a total of 650 women were vaccinated against tetanus. The typhoid outbreak is effectively managed and contained, and no new deaths occurred in the past months (there have been two deaths in total to date). Malaria cases have increased in Mahama camp, with 55 new cases identified and referred by Community Health Workers in March.
Out of the 969 unaccompanied minors living in the camp, 319 are currently provided with alternative care support through para-social workers. At present, 90 registered cases of child protection (physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children) are being managed.
In the past month, approximately 5,400 young refugee children continued to attend ECD and pre-primary programmes in temporary classrooms in Mahama camp, and 19,442 primary-school aged children were enrolled into the national education system.