Malnutrition and Mortality in Kohistan District, Afghanistan, April 2001

摘要: ContextThe humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating for more than 3 years because of civil war and severe drought. Because recent events, the international community is predicting a worsening the country's current situation.ObjectiveTo assess magnitude causes mortality prevalence malnutrition in Kohistan district, Faryab province, Afghanistan.DesignTwo-stage, 30-cluster household survey conducted April 4 through 10, 2001, which included anthropometric measurements, assessment food coping mechanisms, retrospective data collection for November 26, 2000, through 4, 2001.Setting ParticipantsA total 378 households comprising 3165 people living Kohistan district, Afghanistan.Main Outcome MeasuresCrude rate, rate among children younger 5 years, causes death, wasting stunting aged 6 to 59 months (weight-for-height height-for-age z scores <−2, respectively), coping mechanisms.ResultsThe crude persons surveyed during the period interest was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.5) per 10 000 per day 763 was 5.9 CI, 2.0-8.8) 10 000 day. Diarrhea (25.0%), respiratory tract infections (19.4%), measles (15.7%), scurvy (6.5%) caused most of the 108 deaths. The prevalences 708 children aged 6 to were 7.0% 5.9%-9.0%) 63.7% 58.6%-68.8%), respectively. Evidence late-stage mechanisms prefamine indicators existed population.ConclusionsThese indicate that, by 2001, crisis already existed Kohistan. Essential services, including aid and public health programs, are urgently required such regions Afghanistan and will be crucial if avoided. For these services programs implemented, community needs create adequate space (ie, secure accessible location where organizations can provide emergency-affected populations) ensure that have access populations within as well refugees who flee surrounding countries.