Nutrition Surveillance in Thailand-Myanmar Border Refugee Camps - Trends in Wasting and Stunting Over 8 Years

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Biennial nutrition surveys are conducted in the 9 refugee camps situated along the Thailand-Myanmar border to examine trends in acute and chronic malnutrition; food consumption patterns; and household hunger. Methods TBC and health agency partners conducted nutrition surveys of children 6–59 months (n = 3,780) in these camps May-November 2019. Random sampling was used to select households with children using TBC's Total Population Database. TBC trained and supervised health agencies and ethnic health departments in survey implementation. The WHO Growth Standards were used to analyze anthropometric data which were presented by prevalence. The Food Consumption, Nutritional Quality and Household Hunger Scale were used to determine diet diversity, quality and food deprivation. Results 2.2% of children surveyed were wasted (global acute malnutrition), considered “very low” (WHO). Wasting has remained unchanged since 2011. Although stunting prevalence was “high” (WHO) at 25.8% (range 13.6%-36.6%), there has been significant progress with a 15.0% reduction since 2011. Food Consumption Score was measure with 98.5% of households reporting an acceptable diet. While most households reported daily intake of protein and vitamin-rich foods, iron (heme) food sources were only consumed daily by about 1 in 3 households. Finally, 96.1%, 3.5% and 0.3% reported little to no hunger, moderate, and severe household hunger, respectively, similar to 2017 (97.7%, 2.2% and 0.1% reported little to no hunger, moderate hunger and severe hunger, respectively). Conclusions Stunting negatively impacts not only individuals but entire nations, currently affecting 162 million children under the age of 5 years. While stunting remains a challenge in the 9 Thailand-Myanmar border refugee camps, a continued downward trend indicates significant progress since 2011, with a 15% reduction. Therefore, supporting recommended maternal and infant and young child feeding practices, including emphasis on diet quality, particularly for heme iron-rich foods for women of reproductive age and protein-rich foods for children, in innovative ways remains a priority. Funding Sources The Border Consortium.