Issue
Malnutrition is a chronic problem in all areas of Somalia and appears in acute form in areas of drought, flood or localized conflict. Poor availability and accessibility of food (primarily due to successive drought and conflict), quality of diet, infant feeding practices and inadequate home management practice (keeping food in safe, sterile conditions, the proper storage of water, etc.) contribute to the poor nutritional status of children. Considerable variations exist between different areas and population groups, with the central and southern areas being the worst affected. Micronutrient deficiencies -- including iron-deficiency anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency -- are serious health issues facing the population. Anaemia is suspected to be high among women and adolescents, and iodine deficiency is a public health concern as access to iodized salt is extremely low. In addition, sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency is most likely a contributing factor in morbidity (frequent sicknesses within families and disease) and mortality (death).
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