Nutritional State of Children in Qorioley Refugee Camps, Somalia

Abstract The nutritional status of children in the 3 refugee camps at Qorioley, Somalia, was studied in Dec, 1979-3an 1980. Out of the 13,000 children under 5 in a total camp population of 49,000, a sample of 1700 was selected for measurements. Food and water supplies and environmental hygiene were also evaluated. Growth in weight was near normal from birth to 7 mo. age, slowed sharply during 7-24 mo. (as compared with reference curves), and picked up during 24-60 mo., to become nearly parallel to, although lower than, the normal curve. The arm circumference curve was similar. Growth curve for height, on the other hand, was closer to the reference curve. The curve for head circumference was normal. These data clearly point to malnutrition one of the major indices of poor health. Food supply for 3000 cal daily per child was theoretically available (not counting medically ordered supplements), but in many cases did not reach the children because of cultural food taboos and it having been sold to obtain other goods.