MSF-France Assessment of Senafe Sub Zoba, Zoba Debub, State of ...

the population is quite the same as what was seen in the other villages that we visited. Diarrhea
cases are most probably linked to the problem of access to safe & potable water. A well located
in the town was destroyed, so now the population is going directly to the river to fetch water.
17. Conclusions
The general health and nutritional status of the population in Senafe Sub Zoba remained stable
during the last nine months. The mortality patterns reflect the direct effect of war more than a
change in morbidity patterns. The current health needs are those typical of the age groups
remaining behind, and the psychological consequences of war. One of the main problem is about
easy access to health services since there is currently only one health posts operational for the
whole Sub Zoba outside of Senafe Town. The second one is about access to safe and potable
water and sanitation.
The current fragile but stable situation in terms of health & nutritional status of the population
can potentially be disturb by the return of the displaced populations. Population figures will
double and the pressure in terms of access to water, food and health services can potentially be
problematic if no rapid humanitarian response is organize prior to the return from the camps.
An additional information is about the health post of Golo village (approximately 20 kilometers
north of Senafe Town, few kilometers north of the TSZ), which was operated by the MOH prior
to the last offensive. This health post was closed when the MOH withdraw in May 2000. The
structure was looted but intact with a need for rehabilitation work (doors, windows, roof). The
population of that area (approx. 750 people in Golo village and ten surrounding villages) is
currently coming to Senafe Town for health services.
There will be a need for Measles vaccine campaign, as this was not done along with Polio. To
make it easier, MSF-F will do the campaign before the IDP’s return to Senafe.
The nutritional status has remained stable, and so far there seems to be no indication for
development of targeted supplementary feeding programs in the town of Senafe.
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