Malnutrition hits Nakapiripirit, Napak districts

By James Odong

Malnutrition, affecting both childrena and adults, has hit two districts in Karamoja sub region, stateminister for disaster preparedness and relief, Musa Ecweru has revealed.

The underfeeding affects both children and adults in Karamoja, according to state minister for disaster preparedness and relief, Musa Ecweru.

The affected children have been seen with signs of swollen head, swelling and peeling skin which is due to dehydration.

 “I am asking humanitarian agencies led by UNICEF and Ministry of Health to re-focus their interventions in Karamoja to address the problem of nutrition. Adults should equally be targeted because if we don’t address this situation, our intervention in children may be defeated because it’s the adults who prepare food eaten by the children”, Ecweru said.

A starving child. Photo by James Odong

The minister made the remarks at the handover of an Atmit; a nutritional supplement used to feed the severely malnourished children and adults on Saturday.

Ecweru was accompanied by the minister of State for Mineral Development, Peter Lokeris and the Humanitarian Services Country Director for Uganda at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, Elder Karl Beckle warned.

The affected children have been seen with signs of swollen head, swelling and peeling skin which is due to dehydration.

Dr. John Anguzu, the Nakapiripirit district Health officer, said in September 2011, 301 malnutrition cases were recorded, 161 were admitted to different health centers in the district but two died.

 In October 339 malnutrition cases were recorded; 113 were admitted to different health units but four died.

November recorded 366 cases; 115 were admitted to health units but one died. December recorded 331 cases and 59 admissions but one died.