2022-10-30-世界卫生组织-Joint_UNHCR_WHO_report_-_October_2022_16页_1mb

Summary of Joint UNHCR & WHO Report: Greater Horn of Africa Food Insecurity Impact on Health and Nutrition

The 2022 joint report by UNHCR and WHO highlights a severe food insecurity crisis in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA), primarily driven by drought, conflict, and economic factors such as reduced food imports. This crisis poses significant health risks, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mortality, particularly among refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are highly vulnerable due to displacement and loss of resources.

Key Impacts of Displacement and Food Insecurity on Health and Nutrition

Food insecurity acts as both a cause and consequence of displacement, leading to increased malnutrition—especially acute malnutrition in children—and higher susceptibility to communicable diseases like cholera, measles, and yellow fever. Physical, mental, and economic well-being are adversely affected, with pregnant and lactating women facing greater risks, as noted in literature. Self-reliance is diminished, exacerbating vulnerabilities and health outcomes.

Situation in the Greater Horn of Africa

In GHoA countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda), over 12.7 million IDPs and 4.5 million refugees face escalating health threats. Ethiopia has the highest IDP count (4.5 million), while Uganda hosts the most refugees (1.5 million). Food security is deteriorating due to consecutive droughts, flooding, and conflicts, with famine projected in parts of Somalia absent sufficient aid.

Communicable Diseases and Other Health Risks

Poor living conditions and sanitation in displacement camps facilitate outbreaks of cholera, measles, and other diseases. For instance, 68% of refugees in IDP camps bore Hepatitis E cases, and ORCV and vaccination efforts are being implemented, but funding gaps limit response capacity.

Nutrition Situation Update

Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high among children, with GAM prevalence exceeding 15% in many areas and SAM cases critical. Stunting and anemia are also prevalent, affecting cognitive and physical development. Trends show increases in admissions to therapeutic programs and supplementation schemes in refugee sites like Kakuma and Dadaab, due to arrivals, reduced food rations (50% cuts), and limited resources.

UNHCR and WHO Support

UNHCR conducts regular assessments and implements nutrition programs using CMAM approaches, including supplementary feeding and treatment for acute malnutrition. WHO provides medical support, strengthens disease surveillance, and coordinates vaccination campaigns. However, response capacities are strained by funding shortages.

Gaps and Challenges

Funding deficits have led to drastic food ration cuts, worsening health outcomes and increasing malnutrition loads. Training and supply shortages for healthcare workers, vaccine access issues, and integration of displaced populations into national systems remain challenges.

Recommendations and Advocacy Messages

Urgent joint advocacy is needed for increased funding to address basic health, nutrition, and food needs, ensuring minimum service delivery at 2100 kcal/p/d. Enhanced coordination, data-driven approaches, prevention, treatment capacity, and cross-sectoral efforts are critical to mitigate future risks and ensure the well-being of displaced populations.