UNICEF says the cool dry weather prevalent in this part of West Africa at this time of the year has reduced risks of diarrhoeal and vector borne diseases. It says measles and meningitis are now the greatest threat to health. Otherwise, the agency says, the generally satisfactory humanitarian situation can be ascribed to timely action by UN agencies and NGOs during Guinea Bissau’s five-month civil war. UNICEF maintained a continued presence in the country, providing health services, clean water, sanitation and encouraging the resumption of primary education. Drugs to treat tuberculosis have been delivered in Gabu, Oio, Bafata and Cacheu/Sao Domingos health areas, the agency says, and the water supply system in Bairro 4 in Bafata has been rehabilitated. The WFP delivered food promptly, the FAO provided seeds for households and several NGOs have been active in the country continuously, UNICEF says.
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