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Acute Malnutrition Rising Across Southern Africa

The nutritional situation in Southern African remains fragile - underscored by rising acute malnutrition rates - and is expected to worsen further as the lean season progresses.

"As humanitarian workers, we cannot accept that so many lives are lost every year on this continent to preventable diseases, neglect and senseless brutality", stressed Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, as he briefed the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Africa today.

Recent nutritional assessments in a number of countries show a rise in acute malnutrition rates. In Zambia's food-insecure districts, acute malnutrition is at nearly 8 per cent, as compared to the 8 per cent average recorded during the national 2001/2002 Demographic Health Survey and 2002/2003 non-governmental surveys.

In Madagascar, acute malnutrition rates have doubled since 1997 - reaching 14 per cent countrywide, while in southern and central Malawi, admissions of severely malnourished children to nutritional rehabilitation units (NRUs) in October rose 4 per cent nationwide as compared to last year. In drought-affected areas of Mozambique, acute malnutrition is at 5 per cent and, in Zimbabwe, vulnerable districts have recorded rates of 9 per cent.

In responding to this situation, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to work with the affected countries to provide humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian assistance efforts foreseen under the Malawi Flash Appeal - which is currently 45 per cent funded with nearly $33 million committed against the revised requirements of $73.8 million - will continue throughout the lean season, through March 2006.

The United Nations has also launched a $277 million consolidated appeal for Zimbabwe for 2006 and continues to support the Governments of Madagascar, Zambia and Mozambique in their efforts to respond to the food insecurity nationally.

The Government of Zambia, which appealed to the international community for food aid in October 2005, has issued a further request for emergency support in the areas of health, nutrition, agriculture and water and sanitation. The Government of Mozambique is working with its bilateral partners, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies to expand the number of food aid beneficiaries.

However, food assistance remains only one component of the struggle to address malnutrition. Food diversification, management of child illnesses, nutrition education for mothers and caretakers and hygiene, including water and sanitation, are other vital components. These activities remain underfunded throughout the subregion.

"We cannot accept that low levels of funding impede our operations in so many places. We must demonstrate our humanity by responding equally to the needs of those affected", added Mr. Egeland.

Source: United Nations