UNB, Dhaka :
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is redoubling its efforts to address malnutrition among refugees in Cox’s Bazar but warns that a broader effort is needed because clean water, toilets and health facilities are just as vital as food in effectively tackling malnutrition.
A new survey shows that the malnutrition rates in Kutupalong refugee camp are alarming. The preliminary findings indicate that one in four Rohingya children are suffering from malnutrition; a higher rate than anticipated. The survey was conducted by UNICEF, Action Contre la Faim, Save the Children, UNHCR and WFP. WFP gives micronutrient-fortified biscuits when people first arrive; then after registration, regular distributions of rice, vegetable oil and lentils; hot meals through community kitchens; nutritious porridge for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children under five years old.
Other assessments taking place in November will provide a clearer picture of the nutrition situation for the new arrivals: two nutrition assessments at additional sites near Cox’s Bazar and a WFP household food security assessment with nutrition indicators. The findings will update the projected levels of acute malnutrition and guide the wider emergency response. WFP said food alone is not enough to beat back malnutrition; poor sanitation and unsafe water can easily make the problem worse. More than half of the new arrivals are suffering from diarrhoea, it said. WFP provides extra nutritional porridge mix (SuperCereal) to all children under the age of five to help prevent malnutrition. They are working
to make the refugees’ diets more diverse, with locally-sourced fresh foods. They will be tailoring the food baskets more closely to the actual size of the family, giving larger ration packs to bigger families. Their staff are working to reach the most vulnerable by house-to-house visits, so they can also measure for malnutrition in people’s shelters; and then refer those who are most at risk to nearby feeding centers.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is redoubling its efforts to address malnutrition among refugees in Cox’s Bazar but warns that a broader effort is needed because clean water, toilets and health facilities are just as vital as food in effectively tackling malnutrition.
A new survey shows that the malnutrition rates in Kutupalong refugee camp are alarming. The preliminary findings indicate that one in four Rohingya children are suffering from malnutrition; a higher rate than anticipated. The survey was conducted by UNICEF, Action Contre la Faim, Save the Children, UNHCR and WFP. WFP gives micronutrient-fortified biscuits when people first arrive; then after registration, regular distributions of rice, vegetable oil and lentils; hot meals through community kitchens; nutritious porridge for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children under five years old.
Other assessments taking place in November will provide a clearer picture of the nutrition situation for the new arrivals: two nutrition assessments at additional sites near Cox’s Bazar and a WFP household food security assessment with nutrition indicators. The findings will update the projected levels of acute malnutrition and guide the wider emergency response. WFP said food alone is not enough to beat back malnutrition; poor sanitation and unsafe water can easily make the problem worse. More than half of the new arrivals are suffering from diarrhoea, it said. WFP provides extra nutritional porridge mix (SuperCereal) to all children under the age of five to help prevent malnutrition. They are working
to make the refugees’ diets more diverse, with locally-sourced fresh foods. They will be tailoring the food baskets more closely to the actual size of the family, giving larger ration packs to bigger families. Their staff are working to reach the most vulnerable by house-to-house visits, so they can also measure for malnutrition in people’s shelters; and then refer those who are most at risk to nearby feeding centers.
