To foster economic self-reliance for refugees and host communities, Regional Refugee Response Plan partners will work toward strengthening resilience across the region, emphasizing economic inclusion and utilising cash-based interventions wherever feasible.

URGENT FUNDING NEEDED TO COVER VECTOR CONTROL CAMPAIGNS IN WHITE NILE CAMPS – The State Ministry of Health conducted vector control campaigns in all camps, through support from WHO. Vector control campaigns are an essential component of disease prevention programmes in refugee camps. Funds are urgently needed to cover vector control and water quality activities through to the end of 2019.

OVER 3,000 REFUGEES ARRIVED IN SUDAN IN FEBRUARY – New refugee arrivals from South Sudan continue to cross into Sudan. Over 6,200 refugees have arrived in Sudan in 2019 so far, arriving from Aweil area in Northern Bahr Ghazal State and Upper Nile State, citing violence, food insecurity and a lack of livelihoods as their reasons for leaving South Sudan.

At the end of 2018 Sudan hosted 852,080 South Sudanese refugees making it the largest refugee hosting country in the sub-region. The inter-agency partners estimate a maximum of 50,000 new arrivals in 2019. The verification exercise is ongoing. In 2018, Sudan received a total of 33,117 South Sudanese new arrivals.

UNHCR and partners are not promoting return to Burundi, but are working with the governments involved to ensure that returns are based on the principles of voluntariness and informed decisions, and take place in safety and dignity. 58,546 Burundian refugees were assisted to return in 2017 and 2018 .

35 partners including the UN, International and National NGOs are collectively appealing for $296 million dollars for one of the least funded situations, the Burundian Situation.

SUSPECTED MEASLES CASES CONTINUE TO BE REPORTED – As of 16 February, over 100 cases among both refugee and host communities have been reported in White Nile State camp clinics. Measles outbreaks have been reported across most States in Sudan, affecting Sudanese nationals as well as refugees. The State Ministry of Health and WHO are leading on surveillance, laboratory support and case management. A measles vaccination campaign will launch in April.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeing a surge in refugee arrivals from South Sudan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Over the past few days thousands of desperate people have been crossing the border to escape fighting and violence against civilians.

UNHCR Chief calls for more international support for Tanzania. Concluding a four-day visit to East African nation, Filippo Grandi urges greater investment for north-west regions hosting 330,000 refugees.

ONGOING CASH AND FUEL SHORTAGES CONTINUE TO IMPACT RESPONSE DELAYS AND REFUGEE PROTECTION – Cash shortages reported since November continue and are driving implementation delays for assistance projects in all refugee locations, especially for procurement and monitoring activities, and cash-based interventions. The situation is compounded by rising inflation and ongoing fuel shortages. Water system functionality has been hard hit, with generators at pumping stations unable to run due to a lack of fuel. Ongoing protests have also raised concerns for refugee protection amid escalating civil unrest across Sudan.