POPLINE Document Number: 276710
Author(s):
Grobler-Tanner C
Collins S
Source citation:
Washington, D.C., Academy for Educational Development [AED], Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project, 2004 Jun. [12] p. (Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project Technical Note No. 8|USAID Cooperative Agreement No. HRN-A-00-98-00046-00)
Abstract:
Traditionally, the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in emergencies includes setting up therapeutic feeding centers (TFCs). Over the last decade, the focus has been on the attainment of acceptable minimum standards of mortality. Recovery and clinical outcomes in TFCs managed by experienced agencies has been positive. However, TFCs have critical limitations; they are difficult to establish, expensive to operate, and they often have very limited coverage. Furthermore, TFCs do not build on the capacity of the community, and at times, they can undermine traditional coping strategies. Mothers or caregivers are often required to stay with their malnourished children for three weeks or longer in the TFC. Such a demand has tremendous opportunity costs and disrupts family life. Moreover, the congregation of people in and around feeding centers can lead to the spread of infection, an important cause of increased morbidity and mortality in an already weakened population. Despite technical advances in the management of SAM, including the implementation of national protocols in many countries, there are important gaps between projected numbers of SAM and the capacity of existing mechanisms to respond effectively. For example, UNICEF projections in Ethiopia in 2003 showed an estimated 60,000 severely malnourished children with less than 30% of these treated in some regions. Projections in Southern Africa in 2003 showed a similar situation with significant increases in SAM partly attributed to the high prevalence of pediatric HIV/ AIDS. (excerpt)
Keywords:
Developing CountriesIndex page
Child
Malnutrition
Child Nutrition
Mortality
Public Health
Body Weight
Treatment
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Nutrition Disorders
Diseases
Nutrition
Health
Population Dynamics
Physiology
Biology