The majority of children under five years old in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, are suffering from malnutrition due to their families’ livelihood challenges, according to relief workers.
In internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and Muslim villages, signs of malnutrition are being observed in one out of every three children, according to a female aid worker assisting displaced people.
“Because of the food shortages, we’re seeing children wasting away,” said the female aid worker who is providing assistance to war refugees.
She explained that displaced people are facing numerous livelihood crises due to limited assistance, scarce job opportunities, and extremely high commodity prices.
Displaced people report that these hardships prevent them from providing adequate rice, meat, and fish, as well as nutritious snacks, resulting in malnutrition among displaced children.
“Children are now suffering from skin diseases. The itching and discomfort prevent them from eating properly. At the same time, they’re malnourished. Parents can’t do anything to help,” said a local from Maungdaw.
The primary cause of malnutrition is inadequate food intake and insufficient nutrients from consumed food, according to reports.
When malnutrition occurs, symptoms can include fat loss, difficulty breathing and reduction in white blood cells leading to weakened immunity, according to medical professionals.
Displaced people in Maungdaw Township are also suffering from skin diseases and facing difficulties accessing medical treatment due to high healthcare costs.
“Here, a paracetamol packet costs between 2,000 and 4,000 kyats. We urgently need medical assistance and livelihood support,” said a woman who is helping displaced people in Maungdaw Township.
Maungdaw Township is currently undergoing mine clearance operations and the resettlement of displaced persons. At the same time, with limited aid from international and civil society organizations, locals are facing increasing food shortages.
In addition to children, pregnant mothers and the elderly are also suffering from malnutrition, with some elderly displaced persons dying as a result.
Although the Child Rights Law stipulates that children should live in a good environment with adequate nutrition, freedom, and psychological and physical security, children in conflict areas are being deprived of these rights.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
