Child malnutrition down in IDP centres - UNICEF
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
Malnutrition in IDP children has decreased significantly during the
past five months and severe acute malnutrition has gone down by 50
percent. This is a significant improvement in their nutrition condition,
UNICEF Representative to Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle said.
Addressing a press briefing held at the Healthcare and Nutrition
Ministry yesterday, he said that according to a survey conducted last
May, IDP children below the age of five suffered from acute malnutrition
and another assessment was done on the condition last September.
But according to the latest findings acute malnutrition has gone down
by 50 percent. UNICEF spend US $ 2 million for the entire nutrition
program for IDPs. Around 27,000 IDP children were vaccinated and
vitamins were provided for them.
According to the WFP Representative to Sri Lanka, Adnan Khan the WFP
will stand by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry to achieve more
goals in IDP healthcare and continue its support, to provide food for
IDPs.
WFP provide food for all IDPs and they receive 2100 calories per day.
WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Firdos Mehta said a drastic
reduction of acute malnutrition in children helped to strengthen their
immunity against communicable diseases.
They will not be vulnerable to any respiratory diseases and other
communicable diseases.
Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula
Kahandaliyanage said that the Ministry has already made arrangements to
provide all requirements of the IDPs especially medicine, nutrition and
healthcare.
There are over 100 doctors and 100 nurses serving IDPs at the moment.
The nutrition level of IDPs will reach the national nutrition levels
by December this year.
� I wish to thank the International community, UN agencies, INGOs and
all the other organizations for their support�, he added.
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