Overview
Current Update of the Nutrition Situation in IDP Settlements of Northern and Central regions
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North and Central regions of Somalia remain vulnerable to food insecurity and undernutrition due to lack of sustainable livelihoods. Over the past five years, the nutrition situation of the IDPs has ranged from Serious to Very Critical, with the poor situation mainly attributed to high morbidity rates, and poor access to adequate and nutritious meals. These factors have been underpinned by limited access to health care services and food at the household level, together with sub-optimal child feeding and care practices.
In November 2012, FSNAU, Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners conducted eight nutrition surveys in IDPs settlements among children aged 6-59 months in Hargeisa, Burao and Berbera (Somaliland); Bossaso, Qardho, Garowe, Galkayo (Puntland); and Dusamareb Town in Central, based on the SMART methodology. The objective was to estimate the nutrition situation of the IDPs. Survey results indicate Critical – Very Critical nutrition situation among all the assessed IDPs with the exception of Hargeisa and Garowe IDPs in Serious phase. The rates of global and severe acute malnutrition are nonetheless within the seasonal levels for these populations.
