InfoAnda - Despite aid, hunger still stalks Afghan children

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Palestinian PM turns to Facebook for inspiration | 25 February 2011
Fannie Mae Starts Laying Off Hundreds Of Staff | 24 January 2009
Dubai hunts 15 new Western suspects over Hamas hit | 25 February 2010

Report: Blunt force trauma cause of Arkansas bird kill | 29 January 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Despite aid, hunger still stalks Afghan children

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Despite aid, hunger still stalks Afghan children By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU,Associated Press Writer - 2 hours 47 minutes ago Send IM Story Print AQCHA, Afghanistan – While international forces in Afghanistan battle militants hiding in the mountains, aid agencies are fighting an even more elusive enemy: malnutrition. The World Food Program and UNICEF have launched a project to feed thousands of mothers and children _ some too weak to cry. Aid workers hope a high-protein diet distributed through a network of village clinics can help them through the winter. Despite the billions spent in Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion to oust the Taliban, the country is still comparable to the worst humanitarian crisis zones in Africa. Afghanistan has the world's highest maternal mortality rate and the second-highest child mortality rate _ and hunger is a major reason why, the United Nations says. This year, centers across the country will feed 100,000 children and 35,000 pregnant or breast-feeding women. Dozens of mothers, many clad in full burqa body veils, crouched in the clinic in Aqcha waiting for rations. The room was eerily silent except for gusts of wind that howled through the open door. Dozens of toddlers in their arms didn't make a sound. "Most of the children are too tired and hungry, they don't have the energy to cry," said Dr. Nasrullah Sulfane, who oversees the program here. The mothers received their weekly ration: 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of cooking oil with 215 grams (7.58 ounces) of corn and soya flour per child. The food doesn't cover all the children's needs, but it aims to provide the extra calories needed to avert the worst consequences of hunger. The program was launched in August amid widespread security concerns because Afghanistan's insurgents have increasingly tended to target aid workers. There also were worries that conservative villagers would not let their women go to the feeding centers, where they might encounter foreigners regularly. That didn't happen in Aqcha, a remote town lost on the barren steppes of northern Afghanistan. "So far, attendance is a real success," Sulfane said. "I think all the families understand the benefits of free food." Before receiving their rations, mothers balanced their toddlers on a scale used to identify children in deteriorating condition. Two-year-old Sharafuddin weighed in at 9.5 kilograms (20.94 pounds).That's extremely light for a 2-year-old boy, but the aid workers were thrilled _ a month before, he had weighed just 8 kilograms (17.64 pounds). "We're very happy for him. He's just graduated to 'moderately malnourished,'" said Nih Mohammed, the records manager who handed out the rations. Fed with "Plumpy Nut," a special fat-rich paste made from peanut butter, Sharafuddin had gained enough weight to go home to his family, a high priority because most parents can't afford to remain at a clinic, away from their fields and their other children. "I'm happy that he's better, but he's still going to be hungry," said the boy's mother, Fatima, who like many Afghans goes by one name. Her five other children were skinny too, she said, though Sharafuddin was in the worst condition. He was born during Afghanistan's 2007 drought when the family had little food and Fatima didn't have breast milk. "He's been very ill three or four times, and he often has diarrhea," said Fatima, whose husband is a farm hand in a village about a one-hour walk from the clinic. "All my children and all the other children in the village would need rations too." Because there isn't enough food for everybody, the $1-million-per month handout to feeding centers focuses on new mothers and children under five, when hunger causes the most damage. The last government survey, conducted in 2004, shows that 48 percent of Afghan children are malnourished and another 5 percent acutely malnourished. "Since then, there are some areas where it has gotten worse," said Anna-Leena Rasanen, the WFP's nutrition program officer for Afghanistan. In certain zones, child malnutrition now hovers above the U.N.'s emergency level of 15 percent, she said. Indicators tracked by U.N. and Afghan government agencies paint an alarming picture of chronic hunger: 70 percent of children lack iodine, which can cause mental disabilities. A lack of vitamins and proper nutrients means much of the population has poor eyesight. Stunted growth is widespread. A quarter of Afghan children die before the age of five and nearly 2 percent of women die while giving birth. The WFP will spend US$319 million in Afghanistan this year, its second-largest humanitarian budget worldwide after Sudan. Aid includes handing out daily lunches to 1.4 million students as an incentive for parents to send their children, especially girls, to class. The Aqcha feeding center is the only one in a district of about 100,000 people. Dr. Sayed Ahmad Shah said three children died of hunger-related disease last year in the district, but none so far this year. "The whole purpose of handing out food is that we're now avoiding acute emergency cases," he said, touring the crowded clinic to reach a ward for the worst of the malnourished children. "Look, the room is empty. There are no cases," Ahmad Shah said, pushing open the door to the room, packed instead with pregnant women about to give birth. They had taken over the ward because their wasn't enough space for them elsewhere. "Well," said Ahmad Shah, who hastily closed the door after hearing surprised cries. "What I meant is that it's now empty of sad cases." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Despite aid, hunger still stalks Afghan children AP - 2 hours 47 minutes ago Karzai defends Cabinet picks AP - Monday, December 21 Analysis: Hard reality as US pushes Pakistan AP - Monday, December 21 Astronauts geared for yuletide space adventure AP - Monday, December 21 China to try prominent dissident on Wednesday -l awyer Reuters - Monday, December 21 News Search Top Stories Thousands hit in second day of Eurostar standstill Dutch sports carmaker Spyker makes new bid for Saab London Stock Exchange set to take over rival: reports Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Dwindling roster of sponsors for Tiger Woods Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities 'Avatar' director Cameron gets Hollywood star Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Thousands hit in second day of Eurostar standstill More Most Viewed » Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Virgin unveils spaceship to offer space tourism Brazilian confesses to sticking needles into two-year-old Tiger Woods' girlfriend apologizes in TV interview Woods' mother-in-law rushed to hospital More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Monday, 21 December 2009
Top Iran dissident cleric Montazeri dies at 87
Thousands hit in second day of Eurostar standstill
Sudan passes security bill despite protests
Cold snap causes holiday travel chaos in Europe
Yemen rebels say Saudi air raids kill 54 |
Iraq PM in Cairo to improve ties with Egypt
London Stock Exchange set to take over rival: reports
Dutch sports carmaker Spyker makes new bid for Saab
Suspected Turkish coup plotter kills self
Hariri sees new page in Lebanon ties with Syria
Colombia says faces external military threat |
Mourners heap flowers by Mexican drug lord's coffin |
UNDP calls on wealthy Arab states to help neighbors |
Madagascar leader names colonel as prime minister |
White House backs healthcare deal, sees victory
Despite aid, hunger still stalks Afghan children
Obama plan could limit records hidden from public
Karzai defends Cabinet picks
INSIDE WASHINGTON: An anti-whistleblower culture
Analysis: Hard reality as US pushes Pakistan
No praise sung for holly, ivy in Northwest forests
Astronauts geared for yuletide space adventure
US sends 12 Gitmo detainees to their home nations
China to try prominent dissident on Wednesday -l awyer
Storm crawls into New England, leaving mess behind
Airlines across East Coast dig out from big storm
White House urges compromise on health care reform
US decries Cambodia's deportation of Uighurs
Hyundai Motor announces China truck venture
Actress Brittany Murphy dead: report |
Avatar earns $73 million in box office |
Friend: Polanski finishing film under house arrest
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
`Avatar' blasts off with $232.2 million worldwide
Iran to punish unauthorised filmmakers: report
Some Iranians arrested on way to funeral
Christmas chaos as cold cripples Eurostar trains
China praises Cambodia as Uighurs deported |
Russian railways enter modern age with new express
Iran's Mousavi in Qom for cleric's funeral
Google gets digital foothold in France
Thousands warned to flee Philippine volcano zone
Large turnout for Iran cleric's funeral: website |
Sinn Fein chief Adams says father was child sex abuser
Polish police recover Auschwitz sign |
BBC says Persian service being jammed
Missing Dutch sailor girl found on St. Martin |
US actress Brittany Murphy dies at 32: police
Cold snap strands thousands of European travellers
Iran's opposition to mourn dissident cleric
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood faces election rift |
China gets Myanmar assurances on pipeline, border |
Parents of captured Israeli soldier plead for his release
Chavez launches national police in violent Venezuela |
Thousands head for Iran dissident cleric's funeral
Italy uses all channels to free Mauritania hostages |
Iraq scores in oil well standoff, investment
Mexican drug lord buried quietly in family crypt |
1 dead, 5 hurt in Coast Guard boat collision in CA
Ex-conjoined twins leave hospital on birthday eve
Health bill money for hospital sought by Dodd
US sent American to help Cuba's opposition: Castro
North Korea declares disputed waters 'firing zone'
21 militants killed in Afghan operations
White House presses for health care reform deal
Philippine volcano gets louder, could blow up soon
Protests greet top China negotiator on Taiwan visit
India-flagged cargo ship adrift in North Pacific
Thousands warned to flee Philippine volcano zone
Chavez: US spy plane violated Venezuela's airspace
Castro: Obama seeking to topple Cuban communism
Chinese envoy arrives in Taiwan for trade talks
Leading China dissident to be tried Wednesday
US sends home 12 Guantanamo detainees
AP Interview: US dad pins hopes on Brazil judge
Suu Kyi lawyers to appeal sentence
Escalator fire closes NYC's flagship Macy's store
China praises Cambodia as Uighurs deported
Seoul shares slip 0.2 pct after volatile trade
China sovereign fund to get fresh cash injection
Japan's exports fall at slowest pace in 14 months
Turkish cinema shrugs off cliches over Kurdish issue
Stiglitz warns US economy may contract next year
LG Display claims world's thinnest TV panel
BRIEF-Moody's: Korean banking system profile has been improving
NZ farmer confidence logs first gain in year-survey
Clueless star Brittany Murphy dead at 32 |
New movie trailers could boost Oscar ratings |
PAKISTAN
S.Korea sees around $3.5 bln trade surplus in Dec
Seoul shares slip weighed by banks;techs rise
Valentino documentary kept afloat by credit cards |
Rockers Def Leppard developing cartoon series |
"Clueless" star Brittany Murphy dead at 32
Knightley picks unrewarding play for London debut |
Papers on British palaces' upkeep could be released
Alvin and the Chipmunks sequel hits flat note |
Natalie White wins 'Survivor,' collects $1M prize
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" sequel hits flat note
Turkish cinema shrugs off cliches over Kurdish issue
Knightley picks unrewarding play for London debut
Cuba boogies to Kool & the Gang
Valentino documentary kept afloat by credit cards
Jeff Daniels speaks at Univ. of Mich. graduation
Israel close to deciding on prisoner swap
Winter transport chaos grows in Europe
Protests mark funeral of dissident Iranian cleric |
Missing Dutch teen sailor found in Caribbean
Japan logs trade surplus, boosted by China growth
Demjanjuk unmoved as Holocaust survivors testify |
Clashes after Montazeri funeral in Iran
Afghan troops kill Taliban attackers, official says |
Suicide attack kills local leader in northern Iraq
Netanyahu holds marathon talks on Israel-Hamas swap |
Suicide attack kills local leader in northern Iraq |
Eurostar halts trains, angry France demands answers |
Sri Lanka says U.N. wants explanation on Tiger deaths |
Bus carrying Syrians attacked in Lebanon, one dies
Pope visit to Rome synagogue under cloud |
Forgotten Stalin victims despair in Kazakh steppe |
China boosts Cambodia aid after Uighurs deported
Time running out for orangutans: conservationists
Tribunal charges Khmer Rouge "First Lady" with genocide
Barnes & Noble compensates buyers for late Nook |
Philippine volcano gets louder, could erupt soon
Last Khmer Rouge defendant charged with genocide
Britain blames China over 'farcical' climate talks
President Obama meets with efficiency award winner
U.S. Repatriates 12 Guantanamo Detainees
The nation's weather
Sri Lankan navy seizes rebel arms smuggling ship
One Killed In Collision Between Coast Guard And Recreational Boat In San Diego
FL Governor To Return Money From Ponzi Scheme Bilker
Myanmar's court to review Suu Kyi house arrest
Federal Offices Closed In D.C. Due To Snow
Even after death, Roberts' hand to be felt at ORU
During Midnight Session, Senate Healthcare Bill Passes First Floor Vote
Senate Dems clear hurdle on health care
Mumps Outbreak Reported Among New York Jewish Community
FL Man Accused Of Smothering 83-Year-Old Father To Death With A Pillow
Airport Worker Falls 40 Feet To His Death
Record-breaking storm closes US federal government
Update: Snow Storm Continues To Cause Airport Delays
Who wins, who loses in Senate health bill
Snow Storm A Record Setter In Philly
Iraq initials oil deal with Petronas-Japex group
Pakistani o/n rates ease; rupee firms; stocks up
French firm to sign major deal to equip Chinese jet
Minister: China aims for 2010 GDP growth of 8 pct
Japan's ANA buying 10 Boeing planes
Hundreds gather for rebel's funeral in Papua
China banks need more capital in 2010: report
Japan's exports post slowest decline in 14 months
Jackson's death voted top 2009 entertainment story
Japan's Mizuho, Malaysia's Maybank in business tie-up
New movie trailers could boost Oscar ratings
Avatar leads box office, despite blizzard |
Police Officers Draw Guns At DC Snowball Fight
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01