Mohammed Srour
Al-Azhar University–Gaza, Palestine
Title: Title: Challenges facing adequate estimation of micronutrient defi ciencies among children in Palestine
Biography
Biography: Mohammed Srour
Abstract
Assessment of nutritional status among vulnerable groups especially children in communities living under harsh conditions has a unique considerations and significance, an accurate estimations for the micronutrients depend mainly on both appropriate facilities and well trained staffs, meanwhile, influenced by funding availability, validity of the national nutrition strategy, local authorities and NGOs willing and commitment, besides presence of micronutrients database. In the Palestinian national authorities (PNA) territories and due to political situation, social and religion barriers, many constraints are influence the micronutrients surveys, giving unrealistic data resulting in inadequate nutritional interventions. In Gaza strip around 13% of children fewer than 5 are stunted, 57 % of the children 6-36 month suffering from anemia and 27% under 59 month diagnosed with VAD. Although existing some micronutrients data in PNA territories, but it seems that the data are not reflecting the status quo, thus, there is ultimate need to establish a scientifi c executive body responsible for guiding and monitoring the micronutrients surveys in PNA territories, not only that but also data interpretation and providing recommendations. All of that will not be achieved without complete coordination between UN agencies, local authorities, scientific committees and working NGOs. Understanding the underlying causes which lead to insufficient and inadequate micronutrients surveys helps in designing appropriate and effective surveys, which is reflected on the quality of the nutritional intervention.