A campaign to vaccinate refugees, IDPs and members of host communities against measles began this month in Guinea, UNICEF reported on Friday. UNICEF said it was providing vaccines, injection supplies and Vitamin A capsules for the campaign, which targets children between nine months and 15 years old in various areas, including the southern prefectures of Nzerekore, Guekedou and Kerouane.
UNICEF also reported that a UNICEF/FAO assessment has identified a dramatic increase in Guinea's malnutrition rate which, it said, is now nine to 15 percent.
The UN agency said every effort would be made to reduce the rate. It said the nutritional status of children aged 0-3 years would be evaluated while adequate micro-nutrients and other supplies such as therapeutic milk will be given to pregnant women, and malnourished and/or unaccompanied children. A nutrition survey of children up to five years old is also envisaged, UNICEF said.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
Share this article
