Sheila Ponnie
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Life in Jonglei State’s Akobo County is not for the faint-hearted, especially for the mothers and children who are at the precipice due to the surge in cases of malnutrition.
The Medical Director of Akobo Hospital, Dr. Bang Nyuon, expressed deep concerns over the escalating crisis, which he says hit alarming levels from March to April this year, and continued to worsen until the end of June. The hospital has been actively screening children for malnutrition and the numbers are staggering.
In May alone, an average of 200 children were screened each week. Shockingly, around 21-25 children were found to be moderately malnourished. Even more distressing is the fact that there was a significant increase of 32 cases of acute malnutrition during that month.
“We had 23 cases of severe acute malnutrition and this morning, there are 16 kids admitted for severe malnutrition,” Dr Nyuon said.
“The situation has only worsened in recent weeks. We have seen an increase last week compared to the previous week.
“Compared to the previous week, there has been a notable increase in severe acute malnutrition cases. The hospital recorded 23 cases just last week, and as of this morning, 16 children are currently admitted for severe malnutrition.”
The trend is not a newer phenomenon. Last year, the hospital witnessed an average of five admissions per week on cases related to severe acute malnutrition. However, this year’s figures paint a much grimmer picture.
Dr. Nyuon revealed that initially they were seeing three to four cases per week last year. But as time went by, those numbers rose steadily. The community’s struggle with malnutrition has now reached unprecedented levels.
Delays in food distributions
The malnutrition crisis in Akobo has been further exacerbated by a severe shortage of food, according to Dr. Nyuon. The community has been grappling with the devastating consequences of inadequate food rations for several months, leading to a sharp increase in malnutrition cases.
The director said the month of March saw a significant surge in malnutrition cases, coinciding with the community’s three-month-long absence of food rations.
“This dire situation has had a direct impact on the health and well-being of both children and adults in Akobo.”
In response to the crisis, the hospital has been providing supplements to adults who are experiencing moderate malnutrition. However, logistical challenges such as poor roads and insecurity have often delayed food distributions, exacerbating the problem further.
The danger extends to the pregnant women who are also facing alarming levels of malnutrition, according to Dr. Chris Taa, the ICRC project manager and senior medical officer.
For instance, ICRC reveals that out of the 400-500 women who come for postnatal checks each month, a staggering 70 per cent are found to be suffering from moderate to acute malnutrition.
In Akobo, efforts are being made to address not only malnutrition but also malaria among pregnant women. Unfortunately, 5.3 per cent of mothers experience complications during childbirth due to neonatal issues. Low birth weight is a common problem among mothers who suffer from malnutrition and have weakened immune systems.
“Limited access to nutritious food sources exacerbates the situation. Akobo faces a scarcity of green vegetables, which are crucial for obtaining essential nutrients. Additionally, meat, a vital source of iron, is not readily available in the community. As a result, many women suffer from anemia due to inadequate food sources,” said Dr Taa.
Malaria further compounds the challenges faced by expectant mothers in Akobo. Despite not experiencing any complications related to malaria during pregnancy, many mothers still test positive for the disease. This poses significant risks as it leads to low hemoglobin levels (HB) in mothers, ranging from 8-9, which can have severe complications during delivery and impact the health of newborns.
Dr. Taa emphasises the dangers associated with low HB levels during childbirth, as it can cause complications for both the mother and baby. Insufficient oxygen supply can lead to difficulties in breathing for newborns.
Dr. Nyuon expressed concern over a recurring cycle where children are treated for malnutrition at the hospital and return to the community only to suffer a relapse.
This vicious cycle underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and comprehensive support systems.
The community heavily relies on food rations from organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP). Unfortunately, due to various impediments, including logistical difficulties and insecurity, these rations have not been reaching the community in a timely manner.
The scarcity of food has also affected vegetable availability, as gardens are unable to flourish under such challenging circumstances. However, Dr. Nyuon suggests that small backyard gardens could provide a potential solutions by providing vegetables to sustain the families.
The impact of malnutrition of both children and mothers cannot be underestimated. Malnutrition poses severe health risks and can lead to long-term consequences if left untreated. Immediate intervention and support are crucial to saving lives and ensuring the well-being of the community.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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