Kenya, the level of severe malnutrition rises among people in Kakuma refugee camps in Dadaab

ROME – In refugee camps in Kenya, from Kakuma to Dadaab, malnutrition is rampant and threatens the lives of thousands of people, especially children. The complaint comes from International Red Crosscommitted to helping vulnerable populations with nutrition and health services in the African country since 1992.

Drought and disease. In May alone, patients admitted for the most severe form of malnutrition increased by nearly 95 percent in Hagadera refugee camp in Dadaab. The prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa has exacerbated food insecurity for both refugees and the Kenyan population at large. Even the rainy season has contributed to worsening the conditions of vulnerability because it has brought new peaks of diseases such as malaria.

Malnutrition. The acute form of malnutrition – which theWHO defines as “A constant state of imbalance, at the cellular level, between nutritious food – whether too little or too much – and the body’s needs for maintenance, growth and reproduction” – determines far-reaching consequences, which affect not only only on physical development, but also on cognitive abilities. Without adequate nutrition, children are more susceptible to disease, infection and lifelong health problems. Furthermore, acute malnutrition undermines the chances of the youngest to get out of the spiral of poverty and prevents them from living a fulfilling life.

The work of the Red Cross. “Our field team has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of malnutrition on children in Kakuma and Hagadera camps – the situation requires urgent attention. There is a very effective treatment for malnutrition, yet globally 80 percent of severely malnourished children cannot be cured,” explains Mohammed el Montassir, national director of the International Red Cross in Kenya. The organization provides life-saving health care and nutrition in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and natural disasters in Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and other neighboring countries.