Humanitarian conditions appalling

UNICEF described humanitarian conditions in the country as appalling. Most IDPs have lost their homes and belongings and cannot cope without assistance. It noted that health centres and hospitals in conflict areas lack basic medical supplies and qualified personnel. "Epidemics of measles and cholera are on the rise," it said. The agency noted that infant and child mortality rates had also increased. "Vaccination coverage rates have decreased," it said. The school enrolment rates have declined and drop out rates have risen sharply from 49 and 75 percent. Sixty percent of rural women are illiterate, it noted. A recent inter-agency mission to Ituri, where inter-ethnic fighting between Hema and Lendu tribes occurred, witnessed significant deterioration in the condition of women and children.