COMOROS- Health Partners Alert

11 March 2008

Background: (AU) troops are arriving in the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Union of the to help the federal authorities gain control of the island of , which voted in its own president, Mohamed Bacar, in June 2007. These elections have been declared null and void by the African Union and the Comoros constitutional court but Bacar has refused to stand down. The island has been under an AU imposed maritime embargo and targeted sanctions against the island's leadership since October 2007.

The Comoros military has established a presence on nearby Moheli island in preparation for action and indicated its readiness to invade once AU troops are deployed. The US and have indicated a willingness to support the actions of the Comoros government to gain control of Anjouan.

Needs:

With a total population of around 798,000, the Union of The Comoros, is one of the poorest countries in the world.

From a health sector point of view, military action in Anjouan is likely to result in increased risk for injuries and diseases, overall burden on limited health human resources, disruption of already limited access to health services and access to clean water and proper sanitation. We anticipate that at least 40,000 people will be affected.

Likely critical health needs include: care of injuries, surgical services and referral. In addition, there will be need for support to Primary Health Care including: early detection and treatment of endemic communicable diseases especially diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections and malaria; reproductive health care, management of severe malnutrition in children, drugs, supplies and equipment; water and sanitation including to health facilities; and mental health and psycho-social services.

ICRC have indicated that they will cover any surgical needs arising from the anticipated conflict. Other Health Cluster partners are, therefore, urgently needed to fill the critical gaps in the area of Primary Health Care.

Currently, International Medical Corps (IMC) and African Humanitarian Action (AHA) have expressed their interest and are looking for funding to deploy staff to the Comoros.

CERF funds will likely be available to health actors, including NGOs, through WHO from the start of the anticipated state of emergency. But implementing partners should be prepared to initiate immediate activities through their own means.