Editorial: Malnutrition .. The Upcoming Disaster In the recent few months Ministry of Health revealed that a survey conducted by the ministry in 13 states in Sudan indicates that around 13 million people suffer from food shortages and that one third of the Sudanese population is suffering from malnutrition. According to the survey, malnutrition is one of the three main causes of infant mortality under the age of five considering that one out of three children suffers from malnutrition and that approximately 1 out of 12 Sudanese children suffers from severe famine. The survey indicated that 15 % of the Sudanese population is suffering from malnutrition and 14 % are without health insurance coverage or health services. It also revealed the death of 78 infants out every 1000 is due to malnutrition besides the death of 216 pregnant women in every 1000 cases. The Federal Ministry of Health announced that a comprehensive family survey will be conducted in all the states to determine the levels of malnutrition among the children in particular. The Ministry subjected the spread of malnutrition to the security instability in some states due to the conflicts which lead to displacement besides the deteriorating economic conditions and the tremendous hikes in the prices of basic commodities. The justification of the Ministry of Health seems to be reasonable and the issue should be dealt with seriously before it is too late. One of the direct negative effects of malnutrition spread is that it increases the risk of infection and infectious diseases. The malnutrition represents the main source of the tuberculosis and the lack of potable water leads to several diseases. It goes without saying that malnutrition has its direct effect in reducing the energy of its victims and lead to weakness in the functions of the brain. It is high time for the government to adapt a crash programme which aim at removing all the obstacles and provide the necessary finance to reduce the malnutrition rates, hence saving the lives of millions. The cabinet should call for an emergency meeting to discuss the issue and come out with binding decisions to overcome the disaster of malnutrition.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:39:37 +0000
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