Cameroon - On 25 April 2017, IOM, the UN Migration Agency and its implementing partner Saheli, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), began a week-long distribution of core relief items and shelter kits to displaced people in the Far North Region of Cameroon. This activity took place within the framework of an ongoing emergency assistance programme under USAID/OFDA funding. 

The operation began with a ceremony, presided over by Alifa Abba Abakoura, the Head of Saheli. The traditional leader or ‘boulama’ and representatives of the displaced communities in Maladock and Ngaga also made remarks. 

During the ceremony, Abakoura explained that the selection of beneficiaries for distribution was based on a vulnerability evaluation conducted in the region. As such, preference was given to the most vulnerable members of the communities, including pregnant and breast-feeding women, widows/widowers, female- and child-headed households and elderly persons.

Some 726 women and 671 men were reached on the first day of distribution, which took place in Maladock and Ngaga villages in the Logone Birni District in Cameroon’s Far North Region. The distribution was followed by a training session given by Saheli representatives for the recipients on tent construction, hygiene and water purification tactics.

“These people are exposed to all the elements and to all kinds of disease. They are finally receiving some crucial items to help protect themselves,” said Emet Hassen, ‘boulama’ of the area.

By 30 April 2017, 1,390 out of 1,600 kits will have been distributed in Fotokol, Waza and Makary.

For further information, please contact Cecilia Mann in IOM Cameroon, Tel: +237 69 179 40 50, Email: cmann@iom.int