WHO input
  • WHO monograph “The Management of 
     nutritional emergencies in large 
     populations” (1978)
  • The World Declaration and Plan of Action 
     for Nutrition (WHO and FAO, 1992)
  • WHO manual – Rapid Health Assessment 
     protocols for emergencies (1999)
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       Emergencies and nutrition
  • The occurrence of natural and man-made 
     disasters risen dramatically in recent 
     years with a growth in the numbers of 
     refugees, displaced people and 
     vulnerable communities
  • All major emergencies threaten human 
     life and public health resulting in food 
     shortages and impairing the nutritional 
     status of community.
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          Vulnerable populations
  • Among refugees and displaced populations, 
     high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient 
     deficiencies is associated with increased rates 
     of mortality
  • Governments should provide sustainable 
     assistance to vulnerable populations and 
     monitor their nutritional well-being, giving high 
     priority to the control of diseases 
                (World declaration and Plan of Action for Nutrition, Rome, 1992).
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  4 
               Developing Plans
  • In response to the World Declaration, 
     many countries have developed, or 
     developing, a national plan of action for 
     nutrition
  • These plans include action for 
     preparedness and capacity building for 
     management of nutrition in emergencies
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           Nutrition interventions
  • It is important that nutrition-related 
     interventions be viewed as an integral 
     part of a comprehensive approach to 
     emergency management in affected 
     areas.
  • Nutrition strategy should be included in 
     overall emergency preparedness
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