LIBERIA: Nutritional “crisis” in Monrovia

MONROVIA, 17 April 2008 (IRIN)- ACF Head of Mission in Liberia, Berengere de Penanster, says a February 2008 survey showed “extremely disturbing” results that indicated a “significant nutritional crisis” in the Liberian capital.

"What we know and can't ignore anymore is that there are thousands of children at risk in Monrovia. Any lack of food, any disease can make them fall into severe malnutrition," he told IRIN.

ACF says 17.6 percent of city children weighed by its nutritionists are suffering from acute malnutrition. These figures surpass the 15 percent World Health Organization (WHO) threshold that defines a nutritional crisis, ACF says, citing lack of health facilities, difficulties of access for the poor and deplorable states of hygiene and sanitation in many areas as contributing factors.

Rising food prices are exacerbating the situation, de Pensanster said, estimating that Liberia is likely to be hit harder than its West African neighbours by rising global prices for rice and grains. The country imports 90 percent of its rice - the national staple - and in the last year, the price of a bag of rice has almost doubled.

"We know for sure that there is a link between food insecurity and malnutrition. It is considered as one of the main reasons for malnutrition according to a survey that ACF conducted last November and December,” he said.

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