In light of the worsening food security
and health situation in Gaza province, World Vision Moz (WVM) Relief, Health
and Sponsorship Departments will undertake a nutritional survey in three
Area Development Programmes (ADP) -- Alto Changane, Hluvuko and Tchemulane.
Alto Changane is in Chibuto district
while the other ADPs are located in Mandlakaze district, two districts
currently facing severe food shortages as a result of recent drought years.
Some communities were also affected by the 2000 floods, which devastated
much of the province. While the latest VAC results have not yet been released,
the previous VAC (December 2002) put the acute malnutrition rates for Gaza
province at 11.2%. WVM wants to conduct this study specifically in its
ADP areas to be able to look at the nutritional status in our programme
specific areas.
World Vision Mozambique Health and Sponsorship staff, along with local staff from the Ministry of Health, will conduct the survey. Save the Children US, who also operate in the two districts will also participate in the study.
The study is expected to be concluded by the end of July and results will then be compiled and analysed.