AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF DISPLACED CHILDREN

Malnutrition is a major public health problem in developing countries, especially in countries with violence emerging from armed conflicts. In Cameroon, armed conflict has stirred up the challenges in addressing malnutrition. Not much is known about the nutritional status of internally displaced children in the country. The objective of this study is to provide a baseline information about the nutritional status of children displaced from the south and north west regions as a result of the Anglophone Crises in Cameroon. This will guide in developing new strategies in addressing the silent emergency. The Douala City of the Littoral region was chosen because it represents a large number of displaced families from different communities in the Anglophone region. Data was collected from a total of 145 internally displaced children under-five, and the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, and anemia was determined, alongside nutritional-related associated factors.

Autorentext

Nkengacha Marcellous Agendia é o presidente fundador de uma associação humanitária de saúde cujo principal objetivo é capacitar as comunidades para terem pleno controlo da sua saúde e dos factores determinantes relacionados com as doenças. As actividades incluem a educação para a saúde, a promoção da saúde e campanhas de saúde destinadas ao rastreio de doenças.