Tanzania: Malnutrition-related diseases threaten under five children in Burundian refugee camps

Nearly two thousand children suffer from malnutrition associated diseases in the Burundian refugee camps in Tanzania. This limits their mental and physical development, according to specialists. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

These figures are given by Dr. Tumaini Nyundo, monitoring diseases related to malnutrition in the Burundian refugee camps of Nyarugusu and Nduta.

“The statistics are the result of a survey carried out in camps and host communities over the past three months,” he said.

Each year, 18% of children affected by malnutrition-related diseases die, according to the general hospital in Kibondo district in northwestern Tanzania, an area hosting the two camps.

The WFP (World Food Programme) indicates that it is seeking solutions to this problem.

“We are not able to find enough variety of food. But we will do everything to fight against these diseases”, explained a representative of the WFP in the region.

“It’s normal that we face this problem. Here, we only eat maize paste and peas almost the entire year round”, regret Burundian refugee parents in Nduta and Nyarugusu.

“What makes the situation worse is the closing of the markets. Even when we manage to have a little money, we can no longer find food to supplement our ration or improve it”, they add.

According to doctors, many children of school age never start primary school due to illnesses linked to malnutrition, which has consequences for their future.