DISCLAIMER: Please note that this IPC Analysis integrates the Acute Food Insecurity Analysis with Acute Malnutrition analysis. To view the related IPC Acute Malnutrition for the same period, click on the Acute Malnutrition tab.
As of March-April 2017, the acute food insecurity situation was critical in all 20 districts analysed, out of which 6 districts were also facing alarming levels of acute malnutrition in a total of 8 provinces. All 20 districts analysed were classified in "Crisis" (IPC phase 3 of IPC-AFI). As for acute malnutrition, two districts (Chiúre and Namuno in the province of Cabo Delgado) were classified as “Critical” (IPC phase 4 of IPC-AM), and two districts (Mutarara in Tete, Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado) were classified as Alert/Serious (IPC phase 2/3 of the IPC-AM). In all 20 districts covered, about 30,000 children were experiencing different forms of acute malnutrition.
For the May-September 2017 period, the acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition situation is expected to improve due to an improved access to food and a reduction in childhood diseases expected in this period.
From October 2017 to February 2018, the acute malnutrition situation may be exacerbated by the expected deterioration of the food insecurity situation, as well as the increase in diseases compounded with a possible reduction of child care.
Therefore, immediate response as well as short-term interventions are imperative, taking into account the most affected districts, people and children as indicated by the IPC acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition classification.
Driving Factors for Acute Food Insecurity
The immediate factors contributing to Acute Food Insecurity, especially in the most affected districts, are:
- very low quantity and quality of infant and complementary feeding;
- Diseases, especially diarrhea, malaria and HIV prevalence in some areas.
The underlying factors are mainly
- breastfeeding / exclusive breastfeeding practices;
- low demand for health services where there is very low coverage of the Nutritional Rehabilitation Program (recurrent lack of nutritional supplements and weak community network to actively search for AD cases);
- Food insecurity in the critical situation (phase 3 of the IPC-INSA);
- low access to safe water sources.
In addition, the basic causes are:
- high illiteracy rates, with a higher prevalence among women (> 60%)
- low coverage of health units and poor access to them
The IPC analysis of acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition reflects a serious situation in the period of March and April 2017 (data collection period). The analysis also provides guidance on projecting the situation, especially acute malnutrition, by February 2018. It is therefore imperative and urgent for the Government and partners to provide an immediate and coordinated response taking into account the following general recommendations:
- Prioritize assistance to the most affected districts, especially with regard to acute malnutrition in the districts of Namuno and Chiúre (critical phase of the IPC) and also Ancuabe (IPC Alert / Severe phase) ; Food insecurity in the districts of Mogovolas, Memba, Panda and Guija, where the situation is expected to deteriorate.
Intervene on the immediate and specific causes of food insecurity and acute malnutrition in the short to medium term as recommended below:
Recommendations for Short-term and Medium-Term Interventions - Acute Food Insecurity
- Implement activities to increase the resilience of 11% (313,481) people in Phase 3 of the IPC-INSA between the current and the final projection period and protect their life;
- Implement as main measures the following:
- Monitoring the impact of harvests, improving post-harvest conservation conditions; Rehabilitation of access roads;
- Distribution of improved seeds and pesticide for second season; Integrated pest and disease control; The dissemination of good food practices; The massification of vaccination against Newcastle disease;
- Promotion of agri-livestock and trade fairs, which should be adapted to the specific agro-ecological conditions of each district;
- Construction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems and dams;
- Drainage of the casualties with a view to the use of the waters for dry seasons; The opening of small wells for irrigation in the lowlands;
- Support to producers of motor pumps and processing equipment.
- Conduct annual SAN evaluation in June and monitor SAN October.
- Continue to conduct SAN assessments with statistical representativeness at district level to gradually have SAN information from districts to beyond provincial level.
In general, partners are also requested to support and strengthen the collection of primary data, with coordination and implementation by SETSAN, as well as the training of provincial and national staff in the analysis of acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition using IPC.
Driving Factors for Acute Malnutrition
Immediate Driving Factors
- Low quantity and quality of diet offered to children;
- Diseases (especially diarrhea and HIV);
Underlying factors
- Exclusive breastfeeding practices;
- Low coverage of the Nutritional Rehabilitation Program (rupture Recurrent use of therapeutic products, dietary and nutritional supplements) and weak community network;
Basic Causes
- High rates of illiteracy, especially in women;
- Poor access to health units.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this IPC Analysis integrates the Acute Food Insecurity Analysis with Acute Malnutrition analysis. To view the related IPC Acute Malnutrition maps in detail, click here.