| DJIBOUTI Food Security Watch | March 1, 2007 |
Survey reports increasing child malnutrition rates in Djibouti
The results of a preliminary 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS/2006) report released by the Government of Djibouti’s (GoD) Ministry of Health (MoH) show an alarming increase in global and severe acute malnutrition (GAM and SAM) rates in children under five years of age since a similar survey was conducted in 2002.
Reported 2006 GAM rates are at 20.4 percent, compared to 17.9 percent in 2002. 2006 SAM rates are reported at 7.1 percent, against 5.9 percent in 2002, both of which are above international emergency thresholds (Figure 1). High rates of moderate stunting (32.2 percent) and severe stunting (19.2 percent) also indicate chronic food insecurity.
| Figure 1. Evolution of nutritional status in Djibouti, 2002-2006
Source: Djibouti MICS 2002, 2006
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The MICS/2006 survey data were collected during July and August - at the peak of the hunger season during a drought year when household food security was at a critical level, especially in rural areas. Similarly in urban areas, the summer months represent a time when household purchasing power is normally low due to limited casual labor and petty trade opportunities.
Since the time of the survey, adequate rainfall over rural areas where reported malnutrition rates were highest has improved livestock conditions and overall food security in rural areas. While in urban areas food prices have stabilized and household income improved through seasonal labor opportunities. Therefore, malnutrition rates are likely lower now than at the time of the survey.
Following the results of the current survey, UNICEF, in collaboration with the GoD’s MoH, is developing comprehensive short- and long-term nutrition strategies. In addition, food aid distributions complemented by supplementary and therapeutic feeding programs continue in the most affected areas.
Given the high level of malnutrition in Djibouti, regular nutritional assessments are needed and the causes of poor nutrition in the country - including diet, water, sanitation, care practices and coping strategies - needs to be further explored.
FEWS NET recommends follow-up nutritional assessments in the most nutritionally affected areas of the survey.
