World Vision Rwanda -- WFP support/health sector crisis response project : final report

In response to the crisis of over 1 million refugees in camps and crossing the Rwandan border, WVRD developed a strategy to meet immediate food needs, pre-position relief supplies, provide basic medical supplies and respond to the acute curative and essential preventive health needs of refugees, and support the Ministry of Health. The strategy proved successful: the partnership of WFP and WVRD contributed significantly to the successful resettlement of over 90,000 Rwandan refugees, and the short-term assistance at the onset of repatriation provided a foundation for achieving food security in Rwanda. A complementary USAID grant under WVRD"s REAP III program contributed to the success of the project through the provision of vital seeds, tools, and TA. The project demonstrated the importance of adequate pre-positioning of back-up supplies (many NGOs ran out of supplies that could not be locally restocked). Also, providing quality medical care from the onset of repatriation helped secure an invitation for project personnel to continue providing care during resettlement. However, changes in policy by the host government interfered with some of the plans, underscoring the need for strong but flexible humanitarian responses in rapidly changing environments.