Consolidated Appeal for West Africa 2009 Mid-Year Review 21 July 2009 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Alongside some noticeable progress – notably the effort undertaken by stakeholders and states in the region to improve coordination through preparedness and contingency planning exercises and increases in national capacities to mitigate and respond to emergencies – the first six months of the year witnessed important humanitarian emergencies in the region.    By mid-May the region had suffered, a meningitis epidemic which affected some 67,000 persons, killing 3,000, and a measles outbreak with 35,000 reported cases which has killed some 250 people.  Both showed the fragility and high vulnerability of the population, but also the lack of preparedness and capacity to respond to rapid onset, or to medium- to large-scale emergencies.  At the same time, high food commodity prices continued to affect the region and had serious consequences on the most vulnerable groups and a direct impact on the already high rates of malnutrition.  The start of the lean season, along with other global trends such as the financial crisis, the impact of climate change, and epidemics, may further worsen the situation.    On the political front, whilst a number of countries have achieved in the last few years a measure of peace and stability, they are still struggling with the longer-term effects of past conflicts and instability.  Military coups d’état (Mauritania, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau), constitutional changes to extend presidential mandates (Niger), and social unrest or uncertainty surrounding political elections are worrying indications of the potential for a deterioration in regional stability with possible cross-border humanitarian implications.   The nature of the issues at stake implies that the humanitarian communities’ priorities in West Africa should continue to focus on emergency humanitarian response, on linkages between relief and development, on advocacy for hidden and neglected vulnerabilities, and on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms and tools.  The four priority areas agreed by the humanitarian community (Food Security and Nutrition; Health; Protection and Population Movements; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) during the elaboration of the 2009 West Africa Consolidated Appeal will continue to be the backbone of humanitarian action in the region.  A fifth priority area, comprising coordination, information management and support services, will continue to ensure principled humanitarian response and the provision of support and services to all stakeholders involved in humanitarian action.   As of 25 June the 2009 CAP has received US$ 176,157,688[1] (49%) of its initial requirements of $361,040,474.  The low level of financing ensures that needs remain substantial across most priority sectors.  While the Food Sector, which represents 61% of the 2009 CAP requirements, has received $151,766,138 (69%) of its requirements, the WASH sector received only $778,786 (6%), and health only $3,434,066 (22% of original requirements).  The Mid-Year Review includes 14 new projects as well as revisions of existing projects which bring the total funding requirements to $391,994,736, a 8.5% increase mainly due to increased food and nutrition needs.   [1] All dollar signs in this document denote United States dollars.  Funding for this appeal should be reported to the Financial Tracking Service (FTS, fts@reliefweb.int), which will display its requirements and funding on the current appeals page.   Theme Revised  Requirements (US$) Coordination / Information Management & Support Services 30,405,913 Food Security and Nutrition 265,616,743 Health 21,195,477 Protection 62,191,033 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 12,585,570 Grand Total 391,994,736 The figures for funding requirements in this document are valid as of 25 July 2009. Project budgets and requirements normally change during the course of the year. For the latest funding requirements, contributions, and list of projects, see the Financial Tracking Service (FTS) on http://www.reliefweb.int/fts

Document History 21 July 09 : Mid-Year Review    Download the Document Documents Word, PDF, Zip List of Projects (PDF)   FTS links FTS Homepage FTS Appeal Page ReliefWeb link Region Page Field Website http://ochaonline.un.org/westafrica