A Somali refugee leader in the Dzaleka camp said: “It is now difficult for the refugees to access reproductive health services and treatment for chronic conditions. Women and children are now more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to lack of protection services and security,” he said.

Date: 8/25

Region: Africa

Country: Malawi

Topic: Health, Refugees & Displacement

Policy Lens: Migration & Mobility

Entry Type: Field Observation

Additional Context: Dzaleka camp is located over 40 kilometers from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and home to nearly 60,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia, and Rwanda. According to Devex reporting, U.S. foreign assistance cuts have meant that refugees are struggling to survive on dwindling food rations and face rising malnutrition rates, and are increasingly turning to desperate measures such as sex work and theft to support their families.

Established in 1994 to house 12,000 refugees, Dzaleka has long depended on international aid for food, shelter, and health care. The United States was a key donor through a variety of United Nations agencies.

Source: Devex