Addressing the gaps in quality of education was one major challenge with less than 50% of teachers qualified, a high pupil to teacher ratio, inadequate classrooms and WASH facilities in schools. 49.5% (20,151) of the population fall within the school age bracket, yet only 15,146 school age children (75.2%) were enrolled in early childhood, primary, secondary education in three camps namely Sherkole, Bambasi and Tongo.
Inadequate supply of essential drugs, lack of vital diagnostic equipment, absence of reliable back-up ambulances, inadequate in-camp transportation for sick patients and high staff turnover remained major gaps affecting health delivery. Lack of a health data collection system in Assosa camps has been long term challenge which continues to affect health data collection, analysis and reporting. Limited market availability of PPE such as masks, sanitizers and gloves presented challenges in the safe delivery of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to funding constraints, lack of adequate numbers of nutrition staff and screening supplies have compromised nutrition service quality monitoring activities, and contributing to longer periods of stay beyond recommended discharge in the supplementary and community therapeutic care, resulting in increased pressure on the limited supplies available.
The operation faced gaps in energy provision with lack of alternative sources of energy remaining a challenge. This created tensions between refugees and the host community due to scarcity of resources including firewood. Further, only 180 refugee households in Sherkole refugee camp received cash grants for fuel due to limited capacity to distribute cash assistance. Owing to inadequate financial resources, more than 44% of households have no latrine coverage. The number of handwashing facilities and waste disposal pit coverage did not meet the needs of refugees and their hosts.
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the flow of resettlement case submissions due to reduced movements to the camps and reduced case processing capacity as a result of measures followed to prevent COVID-19 infection. Some countries resumed departure processes during the last quarter of 2020, with only 120 refugees able to depart for resettlement from Assosa camps in 2020.
2020