Condition of refugees “deteriorating”

Humanitarian agencies operating in the Somali refugee camps in Dadaab, northeastern Kenya, have expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of refugees. The European Commission-funded and FAO-implemented Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) nutritional update for September, said there was much concern about the welfare and nutritional status of the refugees in Ifo, Dagahaley and Hagadera due to a reduction in general rations and the absence of essential items. The lack of provisions, including oil and pulses, had “contributed to a rise in the number of malnourished children attending supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes”, the report said. Recent intensification of the supplementary feeding programme, including an increase of supplementary rations, had provided some alleviation, FSAU said. “Nevertheless, the re-establishment of a general ration of adequate quality and quantity will be vital in order to prevent deterioration of the situation.”