DATE=9/13/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-IRAQ-MALNUTRITION (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266454
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A United Nations report says there is a stark
difference in the levels of child nutrition between
northern and southern Iraq. VOA Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: The report says that in the central and southern
parts of Iraq, child malnutrition remains a very
serious problem. U-N spokesman Fred Eckhard says that,
by contrast, the situation in the predominantly
Kurdish northern region of Iraq has improved
significantly.
///Eckhard act///
The situation in the north, where humanitarian
aid is distributed by the United Nations on
behalf of the government of Iraq, acute
malnutrition has virtually disappeared and
levels of chronic malnutrition have been reduced
by half.
///end act///
The report says that northern Iraq is more self-
sufficient in food and receives more assistance per
person.
The U-N relief agencies that prepared the report say
malnutrition is often due to factors other than lack
of food such as chronic infections. The report says
poor water quality, bad sanitation and a shortage of
pharmaceuticals in Iraq all contribute to the
malnutrition problem.
The report points out that Iraq is now allowed to
export an unlimited amount of oil to raise money for
food and other humanitarian needs. But the U-N
agencies say that, so far, there is no indication that
the government of Iraq is implementing the program
"for the benefit of malnourished children."(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/FC
13-Sep-2000 14:22 PM EDT (13-Sep-2000 1822 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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