East Africa: making sure that disabled refugees are not forgotten

Victims of drought and war, almost 400,000 people are currently living in disastrous conditions in Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp. The situation has deteriorated rapidly since January 2011 - every week 10,000 new refugees are arriving at the camp.

Handicap International is mobilising its teams on the ground to help tens of thousands of persons with disabilities and vulnerable people survive in this extremely difficult situation. We are currently performing an evaluation mission to assess the most urgent needs of disabled refugees who are arriving at the camps in large numbers.

Handicap International has been operating in the region of Dadaab camp for nearly 20 years. We are currently present in all three areas of the camp (Dagahaley, Hagedere and Ifo) running rehabilitation centres and orthopaedic-fitting workshops. We also have mobile teams in each camp supporting people with disabilities and their families.

Handicap International is now planning to send seven mobile teams to the area to improve access to water, food, sanitation and rehabilitation care for disabled and vulnerable people. These teams will provide emergency physiotherapy care and supply mobility aids, advice and essential psychological support.

More than 27,000 people are currently on the outskirts of the camp, waiting to be registered. The heat, dehydration and hunger are unbearable for these people who are already exhausted after a long journey. Our teams are also planning to build shelters in front of the main registration centre so that vulnerable people can shield themselves from the sun and rest after their long journey.

To find out more, please visit our East Africa emergency page.

You can support our work right now by donating online to our East Africa Appeal on JustGiving, by texting 'HIUK04 £10' to 70070 or by calling us on 0870 774 3737. Thank you!