 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
| News from the field | Newsletter |
MSF cares for up to 6,500 severely malnourished children in Ethiopia26 June 2008
Oromiya Region 3 stabilisation centres set up in Shashemane, Senbete Shinquille, and Ropi provide twenty-four hour medical care to severely malnourished children suffering from complications such as malaria or pneumonia. To date 957 children have been admitted to these three centres, with 314 currently receiving medical attention. Children who are not suffering from complications are treated on an outpatient basis in ‘outreach therapeutic programmes’ (OTPs). They are provided with therapeutic food on a weekly basis, but are able to stay at home with their families. They return to the OTPs every week to be monitored by MSF medical staff and can be referred to a stabilisation centre if necessary. A total of 2,442 children have so far been admitted in 14 OTPs operating in the Oromiya Region. Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region's Region (SNNP) On 2 June, MSF teams also started working in the Kambata zone of the neighbouring SNNP’s Region. One stabilisation centre has been set up in Shinshicho, Kachabira District. 237 children have been admitted to the centre, with 117 currently receiving medical care there. 9 OTPs have also been established – 4 in Kachabira District, 3 in Tambaro District, and 2 in Hadero District. Over 2,778 severely malnourished children have so far been admitted to these outreach programmes and are receiving therapeutic food. Expansion of activities MSF teams are continuing their assessments in order to identify the worst affected areas and respond where necessary. They will continue to expand their activities by increasing the number of OTPs in both Oromiya and SNNPR. Following assessments in Arsi Negele, Oromiya Region, MSF will now begin another OTP. In this area MSF teams found malnutrition and concerning food security, which in the current context is likely to worsen. Another MSF team has assessed the area of Wolayita, SNNPR. The first data from Kindo Didaye District is alarming. The team has screened 494 children under five in four villages and has found an average of 15% severe malnutrition, with 27% of children under risk of severe malnutrition. Some malnourished teenagers and adults have also been identified. In this area, there is currently no aid organisation present and little food is available, partially due to the drought and price rises. There has been no food distribution for six months. Beside malnutrition, malaria is the most frequent pathology. MSF has therefore decided to launch emergency activities, focusing on malnutrition, malaria and paediatric consultations. Somali Region In the eastern Somali Region, MSF also runs access to healthcare activities, with a nutritional component. In Wardher, there are currently around 200 children enrolled in an OTP. Whilst this figure is relatively low compared to the other areas in which we are working, the nutritional situation is of concern. In this case we remain vigilant and ready to respond to changes. In Deghabur, 795 malnourished children – including 253 severely – are currently being followed in the MSF programme. MSF has worked in Ethiopia since 1984. In addition to the nutritional emergency, MSF is running long-term programmes in several regions of the country. In the eastern Somali Region, MSF treats patients suffering from tuberculosis and provides access to primary healthcare in Cherrati. MSF also runs a primary healthcare programme, in Deghabur and Wardher, including a nutritional component. In the North of the country; MSF works in Humera, Tigray region, providing care and treatment for people with Kala Azar. Further, in Abdurafi, Amhara region, MSF runs a programme in prevention, care and treatment of Kala Azar and HIV/AIDS. |
MSF South Africa | Orion Building - 3rd Floor | 49 Jorissen Street | Braamfontein 2017 | South Africa |
.gif){kind=spacer}