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Over 2 million children in flood-affected areas of Pakistan are suffering acute malnutrition in the aftermath of the 2022 flooding
Overview
The latest acute malnutrition (AMN) analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has found that 2.14 million children in parts of Pakistan are suffering acute malnutrition. The analysis conducted in 32 districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces indicates that 23 districts are classified in IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical), five districts in IPC AMN Phase 3 (Serious) and four districts in IPC AMN Phase 2 (Alert).
The districts classified in IPC Phase 4 (Critical) are: Jafferabad,
Kachhi, Kalat, Kharan, Killa Abdullah, Kila Saifullah, Loralai,
Naseerabad, Nushki, Pishin, Quetta, Washuk, Dadu,
Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Mirpur Khas, Naushehro Feroz, Kambar Shahdad kot, Sanghar, Tharparkar, Thatta and Umerkot. The districts of Khuzdar, Matiari, Sukkur, Kohistan Lower and Nowshera are classified in IPC Phase 3 (Serious), whereas Upper Dir, Swat, Malakand and Charsadda appear in IPC Phase 2 (Alert).
During the projected period (October 2023 - January 2024), the AMN Phase classification of Upper Dir and Swat is expected to deteriorate from IPC Phase 2 (Alert), to IPC Phase 3 (Serious), whereas Matiari and Kohistan Lower’s situations are also likely to deteriorate from IPC Phase 3 (Serious) to IPC Phase 4 (Critical). Compared to the current analysis period, the Phase classification for the remaining districts is expected to remain unchanged during the projected period, regardless of seasonal fluctuations in acute malnutrition rates (whether they improve, worsen, or stay the same).
Acute malnutrition is influenced by a combination of contributing factors, including insufficient food quality and quantity within households, inadequate sanitation coverage, elevated rates of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections and fever, as well as a poor healthcare-seeking behavior.
Furthermore, the districts face additional challenges such as suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding rates and a high prevalence of malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in several areas. The impact of the 2022 flooding further exacerbated the problem of acute malnutrition in most flood-affected districts, as it disrupted the health system and hindered access to healthcare services.