Tbilisi State Medical University,
Georgia
Goal of investigation:
implementation of new study of nutrition status and social protection in IDPs
of Georgia
Results and Discussion: Results
show that quite big amount – 67. 4 % of population consumes meat and meat
products less than once per week. Biggest group of such people were among
pensioners. However, absolute majority of respondents include vegetables in
ration. Only 28.6% population consumes fruits three times per week. Only 8.8% can eat fruit once a week. Majority of
respondents – 54% eat fruits rarely. The analysis show either insufficient or
excessive consumption of diverse products: more than half- 56.9% of respondents
receive less than recommended amount of meat, in IDPs communities there is significant insufficiency of consumption
of products such as meat, fish, vegetables or exceeded consumption of pasta,
margarine, bread. Unbalanced nutrition ration among internally displaced people
is usual nutritional behavior change, low income and lack of health education. People have not accessibility to meat
products. Pensioners are in extremely poor condition. Thus we can conclude
that, internally displaced populations nutrition ration is not in compliance
with normal standards. The local governments and relief organizations involved
in provision of care and support to the IDPs should intensify efforts to
improve the nutritional status of the entire IDPs especially for pensioners. A
critical aspect of food security is access to adequate and affordable
nutritious food. Nutrition and health constitute the core subsistence rights of
IDPs, along with shelter and clothing, but IDPs often receive inadequate
support from their government or the international community; [5,6,7].Especially
in areas of conflict or remote parts of the country many suffer from
malnutrition. Surveys indicate extremely high malnutrition rates among IDPs. Efforts to preempt micronutrient deficiencies
in refugee and IDP settings have been ongoing. [4,5].Initiatives have included
the distribution of a micronutrient fortified blended food in the general
ration where populations are totally dependent on a food aid basket which lacks
fresh fruit or vegetables, along with the widespread distribution of vitamin A
and fortifying edible oil. Despite these efforts, however, cases of
micronutrient malnutrition are still seen.
Given the disintegration of the health care systems and poor water and
sanitation, there is a strong need for emergency life-saving interventions.
Although formally in place, health services are deprived of any means to assist
the population.
The living
conditions and economic situation of many internally displaced persons are
disadvantageous. The unemployment rate among internally displaced persons is high. For many,
their existence depends upon state allowances and international humanitarian
assistance. Difficult social conditions are accompanied by poor health status
and limited access to quality social services – education and healthcare.
Conclusions:
Results
show that in IDP communities there is significant insufficiency of consumption
of products such as meat, fish, vegetables or exceeded consumption of pasta,
margarine, bread. Unbalanced nutrition ration among internally displaced people
is usual nutritional behavior change, low income and lack of health education.
People have not accessibility to meat products. Pensioners are in extremely poor
condition.
Thus
we can conclude that, internally displaced populations nutrition ration is not
in compliance with normal standards. The local governments and relief
organizations involved in provision of care and support to the IDPs should
intensify efforts to improve the nutritional status of the entire IDPs
especially for pensioners.
2.
CDC. Famine-affected, refugee, and displaced populations:
recommendations for public health issues. MMWR 1992;41 (No.RR-13).
3.Moore PS, Marfin AA,
Quenemoen LE, et al. Mortality rates in displaced and resident
populations of central Somalia during 1992 famine disaster. Lancet.
1993;41:913-917
4. CDC. Nutrition and mortality
assessment -- southern Sudan, March 1993. MMWR. 1993;42:304-308.
5. CDC. Outbreak of pellagra among
Mozambican refugees -- Malawi, 1990. MMWR. 1991;40:209-213.
6.Toole MJ. Micronutrient deficiencies in
refugees. Lancet. 1992;339:1214-1215.
7.DECREE # 47 OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
GEORGIA On Approving of the State Strategy for
Internally Displaced Persons – Persecuted Tbilisi 2 February 2007