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Zambia: ZMB: Epidemic - 08-2026 - Anthrax (2026-09-14)

Country: Zambia Sources: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Zambia Red Cross Society Please refer to the attached file. Notes Mpika District in Muchinga Province has been recording suspected cases of anthrax in Nabwalya Chiefdom. The chiefdom has four health facilities, namely Kalimba, Chaya, Kazembe, and Nabwalya Health Centres. It is located within a game area with abundant wildlife and has four major rivers, namely the Luangwa, Munyamazi, Mutinondo, and Mupamazi Rivers. These rivers and the surrounding wildlife habitats provide opportunities for interaction between communities, livestock, and wildlife. The area has reportedly experienced suspected anthrax cases on a seasonal basis, particularly between September and December. On 31 August 2026, the District Health Office received a report of three suspected human anthrax cases from Kazembe and Kalimba, together with reports of animals dying from suspected anthrax in the Munyamazi River. In response, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) was constituted to investigate the situation, determine the extent of the suspected outbreak, and identify the possible source of exposure. The team comprised representatives from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, clinical care, surveillance, and laboratory services. The multidisciplinary composition of the team facilitated a One Health approach to the investigation. So far more than 90 animals have been reported by the community to have died from anthrax and people have been consuming this meat Sources for data marked as Other Risk Communication and Community Engagement Report for Anthrax Outbreak in Muchinga Province. Description On 31 August 2026, the District Health Office received a report of three suspected human anthrax cases from Kazembe and Kalimba, accompanied by reports of animals dying from suspected anthrax in the Munyamazi River area. In response, a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team (RRT) was constituted to investigate the situation, assess the extent of the suspected outbreak, and identify possible sources of exposure. The RRT comprised representatives from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, clinical care, surveillance, and laboratory services. This multidisciplinary composition supported the application of a One Health approach, recognising the close relationship between human, animal, and environmental health in the investigation of suspected anthrax. Community reports indicate that more than 90 animals may have died from suspected anthrax, with some community members reportedly consuming meat from the dead animals. The investigation identified that 80% of the suspected human cases were male, while children aged 10–15 years accounted for 50% of the cases, making them the most affected age group. The cases were concentrated in specific villages, suggesting a possible common environmental or animal-related exposure. None of the suspected cases required admission at the clinic at the time of the investigation. The discovery of a dead hippopotamus carcass in the Munyamazi River was considered a significant public health concern, as infected animal carcasses may contaminate the surrounding environment and expose people who come into contact with them or consume meat from affected animals. In addition, all 10 suspected cases reported consuming meat from animals that had died in the same river area, indicating a possible shared exposure. This finding is consistent with previous anthrax outbreaks in Zambia in which human infections have been associated with the consumption of meat from hippopotamus carcasses. However, the presence of the carcass and the reported history of meat consumption do not, on their own, confirm the source of infection. Further laboratory and epidemiological investigations are therefore required to establish the source and confirm the suspected cases. To support laboratory confirmation, eight clinical specimens were collected and submitted to Lusaka for testing. Pending the availability of laboratory results, all affected individuals should continue to be managed as suspected anthrax cases, while surveillance, risk communication, community engagement, and coordination with animal health and wildlife authorities should be maintained to prevent further exposure and transmission. Request For Assistance Government Requests International Assistance: No NS Requests International Assistance: No Information Bulletin Published: No

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Zambia Red Cross Society15 Sept

Bangladesh: BGD: Epidemic - 09-2026 - Dengue Outbreak (2026-09-14)

Country: Bangladesh Sources: Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description Dengue remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, with recurrent seasonal outbreaks that threaten life and stretch the health system's capacity. The 2026 outbreak has followed an unusual trajectory: national figures ran below the 2025 pace through mid-August, before a sharp monsoon-driven surge from late August pushed the cumulative case count past last year's comparable tally within weeks. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), from the beginning of the year to 13 September 2026, more than 51,000 dengue cases and 149 deaths have been recorded nationwide. The dengue situation has continued to deteriorate in recent days. Between 8 and 14 September 2026, more than 8,000 new dengue cases were reported, with 16 deaths recorded during this six-day period. In September 2026, more than 15,000 new dengue cases and 52 deaths have been reported up to 14 September. During the first 14 days of September, the country recorded an average of more than 1,200 hospital admissions per day, indicating a continued sharp increase in dengue transmission and the pressure on health facilities. August recorded 20,536 hospital admissions and 43 deaths — more than double the 9,206 admissions recorded in July 2026. In August 2026, Bangladesh recorded its third-highest monthly dengue morbidity and mortality since the country's major outbreak in 2000. Cases in August have more than tripled compared to 2024 (6,521 → 20,536) and nearly doubled year-on-year from 2025 to 2026. Moreover, according to some popular news portals, hospitals are currently managing a dual caseload of measles and dengue admissions, placing additional pressure on an already stretched health system. Health authorities report that measles patients require strict isolation owing to the disease's high transmissibility and cannot be co-located with dengue admissions. This is constraining ward capacity and complicating patient triage and management across affected facilities. A further rise in dengue cases is expected to compound this pressure. Health experts anticipate a sharp increase in dengue infections over the coming two months, driven by continued wet weather conditions and gaps in vector control coverage. The current surge has affected all eight divisions, with Dhaka Division the hardest hit. From 1 January to 8 September 2026, Dhaka Division (including its two city corporations) reported 18,209 cases approximately 40% of the national total. Khulna (7,298), Barishal (6,808) and Chattogram (6,721) reported the next-highest numbers, followed by Rajshahi (2,557) and Mymensingh (2,499). Sylhet and Rangpur reported the lowest numbers. Men accounted for 62.2% of reported cases against 37.8% for women, consistent with the male-dominant infection pattern of recent years, generally attributed to greater outdoor and inter-location mobility. The mortality pattern, however, runs in the opposite direction, women accounted for 55.4% of deaths against 44.6% for men. Request For Assistance Government Requests International Assistance: No NS Requests International Assistance: Yes Information Bulletin Published Completed Actions taken by RCRC Summary The RCRC Movement partners, in coordination with the IFRC and BDRCS, are closely monitoring the dengue situation and supporting the national response efforts. As part of this support, 29,375 NS1 test kits were handed over to the DGHS with funding from the Danish Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross, contributing to strengthened dengue surveillance and early case detection across the country. Actions taken by Federation General NS Institutional readiness Summary The IFRC is closely monitoring the dengue situation in coordination with BDRCS, in-country partners, and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To support the national dengue response, 38,000 NS1 test kits were provided to DGHS through the IFRC stockpile project, while 50 apheresis kits were handed over to the BDRCS Dhaka Blood Centre. Actions taken by National Society Health Community-based surveillance (CBS) RCCE for Health and hygiene promotion Vector control General NS Institutional readiness Volunteer Support Summary In response to the 2026 dengue outbreak, BDRCS supported government efforts by mobilizing volunteers for a national dengue campaign in Dhaka, canal and waterbody clean-up activities in Pirojpur, and continued Community-Based Surveillance in Puthia and Godagari upazilas of Rajshahi. Additionally, 67,375 NS1 test kits were provided to DGHS with support from IFRC, Swiss Red Cross, and Danish Red Cross, while 50 apheresis kits were handed over to the BDRCS Dhaka Blood Centre to strengthen dengue case management. Actions taken by others The Government of Bangladesh has intensified its dengue response through a three-month nationwide awareness and cleanliness campaign, weekly vector-control drives, mobile court inspections to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, and broad community engagement involving volunteers, youth organizations, and educational institutions. Preparedness and response measures include the establishment of dengue corners at upazila hospitals, a standby field hospital in Dhaka, free dengue testing in public hospitals, subsidized dengue-related testing in diagnostic centres, and reserved treatment capacity in private hospitals. To strengthen clinical case management, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Society of Medicine and with support from UNICEF, updated national dengue treatment guidelines and conducted a divisional-level Training of Trainers (ToT) on Clinical Management of Dengue on 31 August 2026, enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals to effectively manage the growing number of dengue cases and hospital admissions. Planned International Response DREF: Requested

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies15 Sept

Central African Republic BVD Readiness - DREF Operational Update (MDRCF034)

Countries: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 17-05-2026 What happened, where and when? Between 15 and 18 May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) caused by the Bundibugyo strain as a major public health emergency. This declaration was rapidly echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). At that time, the outbreak was mainly affecting three provinces in the DRC, namely Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. As of 18 June 2026, a total of 33 health zones had reported confirmed cases, distributed as follows: 21 out of 36 health zones (58.3%) in Ituri; 11 out of 34 health zones (32.4%) in North Kivu; 1 health zone in South Kivu. These figures confirmed that Ituri Province remained the epicentre of the outbreak. According to WHO data available on 18 June 2026, the DRC had recorded 896 confirmed EVD cases, including 208 deaths and 78 recoveries. Cross-border transmission had also been reported in Uganda, with 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths and seven recoveries. Although the Central African Republic (CAR) had not reported any confirmed EVD cases at that time, the country remained at high risk of disease importation due to its proximity to affected areas of the DRC. This outbreak, the seventeenth recorded in the DRC and the second associated with the Bundibugyo strain, had progressively expanded towards provinces located near the CAR border, notably Haut-Uélé. Available epidemiological information indicated a high likelihood of ongoing undetected transmission in this province, which, although it does not share a direct border with CAR, represents an important population movement corridor towards the border provinces of Bas- Uélé and South Ubangi, thereby increasing the risk of regional spread. Furthermore, several public health alerts had been reported in areas close to the CAR border, including: The report of a death associated with a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever in Libenge Health Zone, South Ubangi Province, which hosts Central African refugees. A report dated 18 June 2026 from the Chief Medical Officer of Yakoma Health Zone in the DRC regarding a suspected EVD case in a locality bordering Ouango-Gambo Health District in CAR. A sample was collected and sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa for testing, while the situation was closely monitored. In this context, although no province directly bordering CAR had been affected at that stage, the combination of proximity to areas of probable transmission, intense cross-border population movements, repeated epidemiological alerts, and limited preparedness capacities fully justified the activation of a DREF preparedness operation. The operation aimed to anticipate and reduce the risk of EVD introduction and spread in CAR through proactive preparedness, community-based surveillance, and community engagement activities. A risk map illustrating the relationship between the affected provinces in the DRC and vulnerable areas in CAR was attached to support this analysis. Since the launch of the preparedness operation, seventeen suspected EVD cases have been reported and investigated in CAR. All laboratory results returned negative for Ebola Virus Disease. However, the epidemiological situation has evolved in a concerning manner over the past two months, with the outbreak progressively spreading to provinces that share a direct border with CAR. In August 2026, Bas-Uélé Province, which borders CAR, reported its first confirmed EVD case in Buta Health Zone, becoming the sixth affected province in the DRC. The confirmed case was linked to travel from Haut-Uélé Province, highlighting the persistent risk associated with population movements between affected areas and border districts in CAR. As of 19 August 2026, the epidemiological situation in the DRC reported 103 new confirmed cases and 35 new deaths. The cumulative number of cases had reached 5,208 confirmed cases, compared with 896 cases on 18 June 2026, while cumulative deaths had risen to 2,476, compared with 208 deaths recorded on 18 June 2026. In addition, 84 per cent of identified contacts were under follow-up. On the same date, another confirmed EVD case was reported in Viadana Health Zone, Bas-Uélé Province, in close proximity to the Haut-Mbomou, Mbomou, and Basse-Kotto health districts of the Central African Republic. The progression of the outbreak is particularly alarming. While three provinces and 33 health zones were affected as of 18 June 2026, the situation by 19 August 2026 had expanded to six provinces and 55 affected health zones. The number of affected provinces therefore doubled within two months, while the number of affected health zones increased by nearly 67 per cent. This continued geographical expansion has brought the outbreak significantly closer to the CAR border and has substantially increased the risk of virus introduction into the country. In response to this evolving situation, national authorities strengthened preparedness measures. A crisis coordination meeting was convened, and, on 22 August 2026, the Minister of Health led a field mission to Mbomou Prefecture accompanied by a multidisciplinary team. The mission aimed to assess the evolving situation, reinforce preparedness activities, and strengthen coordination mechanisms in areas considered at highest risk of cross-border transmission. Given the rapid evolution of the outbreak in neighbouring DRC provinces, the recent confirmation of cases in areas bordering CAR, the doubling of affected provinces within only two months, and the continued high volume of cross-border population movements, sustained and strengthened preparedness efforts remain essential to reduce the risk of EVD introduction into the Central African Republic and to ensure the readiness of health authorities, communities, and Central African Red Cross response structures.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies15 Sept

Cholera Outbreak in Chad - 2026: DREF Operational Update (MDRTD026)

Country: Chad Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date when the trigger was met 15-07-2026 What happened, where and when? On 15 July 2026, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention (MoPHP), through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), issued official correspondence No. 2533/MSPP/SE/SG/COUSP/2026 requesting urgent support from technical and financial partners to strengthen cholera preparedness and response efforts in Chad. The request aimed to mobilize additional resources to support the implementation of the national response plan and limit the spread of the outbreak to other provinces within the country and across its borders. The cholera outbreak was initially detected in Karal Health District, Hadjer-Lamis Province. The first suspected cases were reported on 13 June 2026, and laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa. Following laboratory confirmation, the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention officially declared the outbreak on 18 June 2026. The outbreak subsequently spread to other parts of the country. On 19 July 2026, three suspected cholera cases were reported in N'Djamena North Health District. Laboratory analyses confirmed Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa in three samples on 21 July 2026, leading the Ministry to officially declare a cholera outbreak in N'Djamena on 24 July 2026. On 3 August 2026, three additional suspected cases were reported in Kangalom Health District, Lac Province. Two samples tested positive for Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa on 6 August 2026, confirming the extension of the outbreak into Lac Province. As of 16 August 2026, the cholera outbreak had affected three provinces of Chad (Hadjer-Lamis, N'Djamena and Lac). Six health districts had confirmed cases through laboratory culture, namely Karal, N'Djamena North, N'Djamena Centre, N'Djamena South, Kangalom and Bagassola. A total of 14 active catchment areas and 65 villages or neighbourhoods had reported at least one case. Since the start of the outbreak, 484 cases and 21 deaths have been reported nationwide, including 11 community deaths, representing 52.4 per cent of all reported deaths. The national case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 4.3 per cent, while the overall attack rate is estimated at 19 cases per 100,000 population. Hadjer-Lamis Province remains the earliest and most affected area, with 168 cumulative cases and five deaths reported in Karal Health District. No new cases have been reported there since 22 July 2026. In N'Djamena Province, 98 cases and eight deaths have been reported, with transmission observed across N'Djamena North, N'Djamena Centre, N'Djamena South and N'Djamena East districts. In Lac Province, transmission remains active, with 218 cases and eight deaths reported, mainly in the districts of Bol, Kangalom, Liwa and Bagassola. During the most recent reporting period, 29 new cases were recorded, including 28 in Lac Province and one in N'Djamena. Of the 76 samples tested to date, 32 were confirmed positive by culture, corresponding to a positivity rate of 42 per cent. The median age of cases is 10 years (range: 0-90 years), and the female-to-male ratio is 0.9. Case management is being provided through 11 treatment sites, including six in N'Djamena and five in Lac Province. To strengthen outbreak control, the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, with support from its partners, received 1,924,650 doses of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) on 11 and 15 August 2026. A vaccination campaign is currently underway in N'Djamena, while deployment in Lac Province is scheduled to begin on 21 August 2026. Despite ongoing efforts by the Government and humanitarian partners, the risk of further spread remains high. Population movements between affected provinces, commercial exchanges, the mobility of nomadic populations, and the presence of displaced and vulnerable communities continue to facilitate disease transmission. The response is also challenged by difficult access to remote localities and islands in the Lake Chad area, security constraints, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to safe water and sanitation services, and communication challenges linked to unstable mobile phone networks. These factors increase the risk of the outbreak spreading to neighbouring provinces, including Chari-Baguirmi, Mayo-Kebbi Est and Kanem.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies15 Sept

Honduras | Drought - Early Action Protocol Summary, 11 September 2026 (EAP №: EAP2026HN06, Operation №: MDRHN029)

Country: Honduras Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. SUMMARY OF THE EARLY ACTION PROTOCOL The IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has approved a total of CHF 856,326 for the implementation of the Honduran Red Cross Early Action Plan (EAP). The approved amount consists of an allocation of CHF 368,466 for readiness and pre-positioning, and CHF 487,861 allocated to implement early actions once the defined triggers are met. The allocations are made under the DREF’s anticipatory pillar, under appeal code DREF MDRHN029. Unrestricted contributions to the DREF are encouraged to ensure that sufficient funding is available for the Early Action Protocols currently being developed. Honduras is one of the Central American countries most exposed to the effects of climate variability and phenomena associated with ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation). Among hydrometeorological threats, meteorological drought is one of the most recurrent events with the greatest humanitarian impact, particularly in the Honduran Dry Corridor, where the population relies mainly on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming. Historical drought events have caused significant losses to crops and livestock, reduced water availability, undermined food security and affected the livelihoods of vulnerable rural families. The Early Action Protocol (EAP) for Meteorological Drought was developed by the Honduran Red Cross with the support of the German Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre. The protocol aims to reduce the humanitarian impacts caused by droughts associated with the El Niño phenomenon through the implementation of forecast-based anticipatory actions. The intervention will prioritise communities located in areas historically affected by severe droughts, particularly in the departments of Choluteca, Valle, Lempira, Francisco Morazán, Comayagua, Yoro, La Paz, Intibucá, El Paraíso and Olancho. The target population totals 10,000 people (2,000 families), prioritising households dependent on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming, families at risk of food insecurity and the most vulnerable groups. The EAP addresses three priority impacts: losses and damage to subsistence agricultural and livestock livelihoods; increased food insecurity; and limited access to safe water due to a decline in water sources and rising costs associated with water resources. The activation of the protocol is based on official information issued by COPECO/CENAOS and requires the simultaneous fulfilment of two trigger criteria: a probability of 60 per cent or higher that an El Niño event will occur in the Niño 3.4 region, and a probability of 60 per cent or higher that cumulative rainfall will fall below the 20th percentile in the Dry Corridor of Honduras during at least one of the periods between June and November. These triggers provide an approximate three-month lead time for the implementation of early action. The selected proactive measures include awareness-raising campaigns on drought preparedness and water management, multi-purpose cash transfers to protect livelihoods and alleviate food insecurity, the distribution of filters for domestic water treatment, water quality assessment using specialised WASH equipment, and the distribution of water for human consumption and multi-purpose use in communities affected by water scarcity. These actions are complemented by mechanisms for Community Participation and Accountability (CEA), Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI), and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning. The EAP has a total budget of CHF 856,326.00 and will be implemented by the Honduran Red Cross, which has a nationwide presence, specialised technical staff, expertise in WASH and cash transfer programmes, and an extensive network of volunteers to carry out the anticipatory actions in a timely and effective manner. Through this mechanism, the National Society aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and reduce humanitarian impacts before the drought reaches its peak severity.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies15 Sept

Institutional Capacity Assessment: Provincial Disaster Centres (Papua New Guinea) - Synthesis Report (July 2026)

Country: Papua New Guinea Sources: Government of Papua New Guinea, International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. Developed by the National Disaster Centre (NDC) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with technical support from humanitarian partners. This report provides a national overview of the institutional, operational, and infrastructure capacities of Provincial Disaster Centres across Papua New Guinea The assessment identifies key strengths, gaps, and priority investment areas to support the strengthening of disaster risk management systems at the provincial level. We hope the findings will inform ongoing planning, programming, capacity development, and coordination efforts across government and partner agencies.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Organization for Migration15 Sept

Provincial Disaster Centre Institutional Capacity Assessment (PNG) - Synthesis Report

Country: Papua New Guinea Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. Developed by the National Disaster Centre (NDC) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with technical support from humanitarian partners. This report provides a national overview of the institutional, operational, and infrastructure capacities of Provincial Disaster Centres across Papua New Guinea The assessment identifies key strengths, gaps, and priority investment areas to support the strengthening of disaster risk management systems at the provincial level. We hope the findings will inform ongoing planning, programming, capacity development, and coordination efforts across government and partner agencies.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Organization for Migration15 Sept
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Over 17,000 flood-affected children in Nepal need urgent mental health and psychosocial support

Country: Nepal Source: UN Children's Fund KATHMANDU, 15 September 2026 – Thousands of children affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal require urgent mental health and psychosocial support to recover from the distress and trauma caused by the disaster, UNICEF said today. The floods have had a profound impact on children, many of whom witnessed the loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes and schools, displacement from their communities, and uncertainty over missing family members. An estimated 17,000 children require mental health and psychosocial support, while 541 unaccompanied and separated children remain at heightened risk and in need of protection services. These figures underscore the severe emotional and social toll the disaster has taken on children and families, and the urgent need for sustained protection and recovery support. "Beyond the visible destruction, these floods have left deep emotional scars on children and families," said Ms. Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal. "The floods struck during the school day, shattering children's sense of safety in an instant. Many children witnessed distressing events and are now struggling with fear, anxiety and grief, with some unable to speak about what they experienced. Alongside humanitarian supplies and restoration of critical infrastructure, children need mental health and psychosocial support to help them process what happened, regain a sense of security and begin to recover." “The invisible burden of trauma on flood-affected children and families is deeply distressing,” said Dr. Shitanshu Dhakal, Medical Officer at Trishuli Hospital in Nuwakot and former UNICEF Youth Advocate for mental health. “Fear can remain long after the disaster itself. Children must be at the centre of the mental health response, with immediate psychological first aid and sustained support to prevent long-term consequences.” Mental health and psychosocial support is a lifesaving component of the emergency response. Early interventions help children process distressing experiences, reduce anxiety, restore a sense of routine and safety, and strengthen resilience. Such support also enables the identification of children experiencing severe distress and facilitates referrals to specialized services. Children experiencing significant mental health and psychosocial difficulties may also face increased protection risks due to reduced coping capacity, social isolation, stigma and limited access to support services. UNICEF is working with government authorities and partners to protect children affected by the floods through family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support services. To date, 18 unaccompanied and separated children have been reunified with their families, while alternative family-based care is being arranged for children who have lost both parents. Community-based protection monitoring teams have been established along key transit and displacement routes to identify at-risk children, facilitate referrals and help prevent trafficking, exploitation and family separation. At the same time, UNICEF and partners are scaling up mental health and psychosocial support through Psychological First Aid and counselling services. Eighteen Child-Friendly Spaces, including 13 supported by UNICEF, are providing safe environments where children can play, learn and begin to recover, supported by an integrated network of psychologists, counsellors and frontline workers operating in displacement sites and affected communities. UNICEF continues to call for increased investment in child protection and mental health services to ensure that children affected by the floods receive the support they need to cope, recover and rebuild their lives. ##### Media contacts Florine Bos UNICEF Nepal Email: fbos@unicef.org Joe English UNICEF New York Tel: +1 917 893 0692 Email: jenglish@unicef.org

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN Children's Fund15 Sept

Cameroon Cholera Outbreak: Situation Report #5 (September 14, 2026)

Country: Cameroon Source: International Medical Corps Please refer to the attached file. FAST FACTS As of September 13, 438 cholera cases and four deaths had been reported in Minawao Refugee Camp, which currently is home to 81,022 refugees and operating at about 325% of intended capacity. There have been 2,683 cases and 77 deaths across 11 health districts in Cameroon since September 12. This cholera outbreak has a case fatality rate of 2.87%, which is nearly three times higher than the internationally accepted target of less than 1%. Multiple transmission chains are suspected within the camp, where heavy rainfall is increasing the risk of rapid spread among vulnerable populations. OUR RESPONSE International Medical Corps has been operating in Minawao Refugee Camp since 2013, providing Nigerian refugees with primary, community-based and referred secondary healthcare. In response to the severe cholera outbreak in the camp, our team has treated 438 patients, expanded the cholera treatment unit by 45 beds, trained 105 health workers in case management and infection prevention, and reached a daily average of 9,486 people through community information sessions on hygiene, safe water and early care-seeking. We are coordinating with national health authorities, United Nations agencies, camp management and humanitarian partners to support a harmonized response.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Medical Corps14 Sept

Suriname: PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030

Country: Suriname Sources: Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. Suriname stands at a defining moment in its public health journey. The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2026–2030 sets out a bold and forward-looking road map for consolidating hard-won gains, confronting emerging risks, and accelerating progress toward achieving a more equitable, resilient, and people-centered health system. Developed through close partnership between the Government of Suriname and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, the strategy translates shared commitments into clear, actionable priorities for the next five years. The CCS is grounded in Suriname’s evolving demographic, epidemiological, and development context. The country faces a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, persistent maternal and neonatal health risks, mental health challenges, climate-related vulnerabilities, and constraints in the health workforce. At the same time, Suriname has demonstrated notable leadership and achievement, including its historic malaria-free certification, advances in digital health innovation, and strengthened emergency preparedness capacities. These experiences reinforce a central lesson: sustained progress depends on strong governance, data-driven decision-making, multisectoral collaboration, and deliberate efforts to reduce inequities. Structured around four interlinked strategic priorities – leadership and governance; people-centered primary health care; disease prevention and elimination across the life course; and enhanced capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies and climate threats – the CCS embeds equity, essential public health functions, and national ownership as operational drivers. More than a technical framework, the CCS is a call to collective action to ensure measurable, inclusive, and sustainable health gains for all people in Suriname.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•World Health Organization14 Sept