Famine worries in south unfounded, mission says

Fears that the southern regions of Quinara and Tombali may be hit by famine are unfounded, even though rice stocks there are low, according to a team which visited the area from 15 to 17 September, OCHA reports. However, a high incidence of malnutrition was discovered in Catio in the Tombali region by the team, which included representatives of FAO, UNDP, WFP, OCHA and the Ministry of Agriculture. To date, Catio’s nutritional situation has been difficult to monitor accurately due to its isolation. Immediate actions recommended by the team include the provision of therapeutic feeding and the creation of an improved monitoring mechanism by supporting the appropriate regional and sectoral health centres.