Practices in child growth monitoring in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Growth reference charts are among the most sensitive and valuable tools for assessing the health and development of children. A questionnaire survey was answered by 16 of the 21 ministries of health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries [EMR] about their use of growth charts for children under 5 years. Most of the countries [13/16] used the NCHS/WHO charts and weight-for-age was the most commonly used. Charts for height-for-age and head circumference-for-age were less commonly used. Problems in the use of charts were identified. The introduction of the new WHO Child Growth Standards, based on exclusively breastfed babies, is a unique opportunity to support growth monitoring and optimal feeding practices in EMR

Nutrition in humanitarian crises

It is anticipated that humanitarian crisis situations will continue to occur in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region affecting large segments of vulnerable populations. Subsequently the magnitude and effectiveness of the humanitarian response, particularly for food and nutrition, must be based on best practices and sound information of affected populations.To bridge the burgeoning gap between the food and nutrition needs of affected populations and the available resources, four key areas need to be addressed by the humanitarian agencies: adequate knowledge and skills in public health nutrition; effective coordination between humanitarian organizations when conducting nutritional assessments and interventions; efficient and appropriate delivery of services; communication, awareness and advocacy. This paper discusses approaches to how these may be improved

Iron deficiency anaemia-an old enemy

Anaemia has remained a widespread public health problem in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Prevalence figures vary from a low of 17% to a high of over 70% among preschool children; from 14% to 42% among adolescents and from 11% to over 40% among women of childbearing age. Although the prevalence of anaemia has often been used as a proxy indicator for iron deficiency anaemia, this approach is not valid in settings where the etiology of anaemia is complex or unknown or where other micronutrient deficiencies of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A can co-exist. An integrated, multifactorial and multisectoral approach has to be adopted comprising targeted interventions to provide iron supplements to especially vulnerable segments of the population, in particular pregnant women; food-based approaches to increase iron intake through food fortification and dietary diversification; and other measures combined with iron interventions where other causes of anaemia are prevalent

Caring for the elderly: a report on the status of care for the elderly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

To update our understanding of the status of elderly health care within the context of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office's Strategy Paper on Elderly Care [1995], a short questionnaire was sent to all Member States of the Region, except Afghanistan and Somalia. The questionnaire sought information on the proportion of the elderly in the population, the status of health care and the level of economic, social, cultural and physical assistance available to the elderly. Of the 21 countries in the survey, 18 [86%] responded. The findings of the survey are discussed here under the headings of demography, national policies on elderly care, social benefits, health care, social and community services, economic burden and the role of the non-government sector