Malnutrition: A Silent Threat

UNICEF recently led an inter-agency nutrition assessment on Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Malnutrition is becoming a threat, among this population.

Preliminary results show that almost 2,000 Syrian refugee children in Lebanon are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, and need immediate treatment to survive. As malnutrition is linked to such factors as poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water, the cold season, lack of immunization, diseases and improper infant and young child feeding practices, the situation could deteriorate even further.

“The most vulnerable Syrian refugee children in Lebanon, especially children under 5 living in dire conditions, are at risk of malnutrition,” says UNICEF Representative in Lebanon Annamaria Laurini. “UNICEF is working with the Government and partners to implement both immediate and longer-term measures to address the issues.”