The problem, as well as the solution to malnutrition, is multi-faceted. This demonstrates that it is of utmost importance to invest not only in the treatment of acute malnutrition but also in its prevention. These long term consequences include an increased risk of stunted growth, impaired cognitive development and a greater chance of developing non-communicable diseases in adulthood. A nutritional survey done in 2014 among south Sudanese refugee camps showed that the prevalence of acute malnutrition was almost two-fold the emergency threshold of 15%.Īcute malnutrition is not only a condition that kills but also has long term health and developmental consequences among recovered children after receiving appropriate treatment. The magnitude of acute malnutrition among refugee camps in Ethiopia is relatively well-documented.
The rate of malnutrition in refugees’ camp needs to be viewed as not just a health issue but as a serious protection and access to basic rights failure. Malnutrition among children in refugee is a critical public health concern due to the heightened vulnerability.
