Hunger is looming at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District following a reduction in humanitarian support from several organisations.
Refugees have since described the situation as desperate and are appealing to well-wishers and the international donor community for assistance.
Niyibigira Costasia, a 55-year-old refugee from Rwanda, has lived with a disability since she was shot during the 1994 conflict in her home country.
She also suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. In an interview, Niyibigira said her health continues to deteriorate because she often goes to bed hungry.
“Although I receive a monthly cash transfer of K21,000 from the World Food Programme (WFP), the money is not enough to meet my basic needs for a full month”, she lamented.
56-year-old Ebambi Ngoy Marie Jeanne, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014, said life at the camp has become increasingly difficult because of food shortages.
She warned that if WFP suspends assistance from September because of funding constraints, many refugees could face severe hunger and even death.
WFP Head of Programme Aachal Chand said the organisation currently has no confirmed funding beyond August and that they would stop providing the package.
“Currently, we give a monthly cash transfer of US$12, equivalent to about K21,000, which is insufficient to meet the food needs of refugees and asylum seekers. We therefore call upon the donor community to help the refugees,” said Chand.
Principal Administration Officer in the Department of Refugees under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Vincent Chaduka, said the government is engaging development partners to mobilise additional support for refugees in need.
Designed to accommodate only 12,000 people, Dzaleka Refugee Camp is home to more than 63,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
