Malnutrition : Children Between 0_5 years More Exposed

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A result of a nutritional survey Published recently by the Standardized Expanded Nutritional Survey, SMART- SENS 2021 divulges that Children between the ages of 0_59 months are the principal victims of malnutrition in Cameroon.

This survey which was carried out, 2021 involves mainly the four most vulnerable regions of the country; Far North, North, Adamawa and the East regions. It was also associated with the SENS in the Nigerian refugee camp of Minawao and among Central Africa refugees living in Site and Off-sites.

The report reiterated that chronic acute malnutrition is still very present in the country, and it is still very visible in the four vulnerable regions.

Malnutrition mostly affects children between the ages of 0_59 months, as could be seen in a proportion of 40.2% in the North region, 36.4% in the Far North, 49.8% in the East region and 34.6% in the Adamawa region.

A nutritional expert explained why these four regions were suitable for the survey. « We have to worry about these regions affected by chronic acute malnutrition because we will have a lot of children with memory problems, which will greatly affect their educational life. This will be a problem to the society. »

The survey went further to note that: « The Minawao refugee camp has a rate of 48.1% and the Central African refugee sites in Adamawa 42%.

The Nigerian refugees in the Minawao camp present a more favourable situation though with an increase in severe acute malnutrition compared to 2016. The Central African refugees have high prevailing of acute malnutrition. »

This survey aims at assessing the nutritional status of children under five years of age, the assessment of breastfeeding, and feeding practices of infants and young children under two years of age (ANJE), and women aged 15_49 years.

The cross-sectional survey used two stage cluster random sample.  The results are therefore representative for each of the four priority regions and for the three strata representing the refugee’s populations.

The survey was conducted on ANDROID phones through ODK following the SMART and SENS methodology, allowing for a Standardized, simplified, rapid and transparent nutritional survey and the improvement of the quality of anthropometric data.

It’s worth mentioning that this survey was conducted by the Ministry of Public Health with the technical and financial supervision from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The survey is part of a nutritional surveillance system set up since 2007.

Ingrid KENGNE

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