Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
The national nutritional survey with SMART methods carried out in June 2012 enabled UNICEF to revise the estimated target caseload of severe cases of malnutrition from 20,000 - estimated based on the 2011 survey - to 22,336 for 2012, and the moderate cases estimated from 100,000 to 138,428 children. Based on the new data, in addition to the identified hotspots using 2011 data (Diourbel, Matam, Saint Louis, Thies and Louga), six new at-need Regions emerged: Fatick, Kaffrine, Kedougou, Kolda, Sedhiou and Tambacounda.
However, actual Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) caseload in 2012 more than doubled expectations with more than 13,000 SAM cases reported by Matam and Diourbel medical authorities, versus less than 5,000 SAM cases estimated based on projections from the 2012 survey. A revised methodology used by UNICEF across the Sahel region has allowed to adjust estimates for 2013 based on a higher correction factor. Thus that the SAM burden is now estimated at 63,323 under-five children – with a targeted coverage of 38,968 cases given estimated coverage (62%1) – and a MAM estimated caseload of 255,675 cases.