Addressing nutritional problems in emergencies – an ongoing challenge

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic.

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Public release date: 19-Apr-2005

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-04/tu-rnp041905.php

Contact: Siobhan Gallagher

Tufts University

Research notes: Policy points from the Friedman School of Nutrition

Science and Policy at Tufts

Addressing nutritional problems in emergencies – an ongoing challenge

Nutritional crises, including acute malnutrition and micronutrient

deficiencies, continue to be prevalent in almost all complex

humanitarian emergencies around the world. Consequently, the field known

as Public Nutrition has become a well-established and central part of

the international donor and United Nations response. According to Helen

Young, director of the Public Nutrition Program at the Feinstein

International Famine Center at Tufts and lead author of an article in

Lancet, Public Nutrition, which includes nutritional assessment,

analysis and response, is delayed by practical challenges and more

importantly, by research and programmatic questions.

" Outbreaks of scurvy, beri-beri and pellagra among refugees in Africa

and Asia in the eighties and nineties prompted intensive efforts to

develop and refine appropriate strategies for their prevention,

including supplementation, fortification, and diversification of foods

rations " remarks Young, also a professor at the Friedman School of

Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts.

" Experience gained with each evolving humanitarian crisis has

contributed to the development of the problem-solving approach of Public

Nutrition. These strategies are always complemented by broader

strategies of ensuring access to an adequate diet, and the distribution

of an appropriate 'food basket' to affected households, " she continued.

Public Nutrition seeks to understand and identify the source of

heightened nutritional risks resulting from " food insecurity, inadequate

maternal and child care, and poor public health " which are the

underlying causes of malnutrition. Young and her colleagues note that,

" interventions and combined strategies are needed to protect, promote,

and support nutrition beyond the treatment of malnutrition. " Food

distribution; prevention and treatment of malnutrition in children and

adults; and addressing micronutrient deficiency diseases are all

essential pieces of the problem solving equation. Additionally, Public

Nutrition interventions can provide nutritional support for at-risk

groups, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people

living with HIV.

" An approach that includes a developing capacity within countries

affected by recurrent emergencies is essential, and the practical

problem-solving approach of Public Nutrition needs to become widespread

with leadership from organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health

Organization, " concludes Young.

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Young, H., Borrel, A., Holland D., Salama P. Lancet. 364: 1899-909,

November 20, 2004. " Public Nutrition in Complex Emergencies. "

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