An investigation of increasing mortality among Congolese refugees in Lugufu camp, Tanzania, May-June 1999

From January through June 1999, 45,00 Congolese refugees arrived in Lugufu camp in western Tanzania, suprassing the maximum camp capacity by 15,000 persons. During this 6-month period of rapid population influx, both the crude and under age 5 years mortality rates dramatically increased. A retrospective mortality survey in conjunction with a review of key programmatic indicators to identify risk factors for mortality was conducted in July and August 1999. This investigation revealed that all refugees, not solely the new arrivals, were at increased risk of dying. The population increase exceeded the camp's capacity to meet the basic needs of the refugees, resulting in a reduction in access to resources and services for the entire population.