CAF-11/H/36908/R/5195 “Addressing Malnutrition & HIV among vulnerable communities in CAR” – USD 214,000 (Jan 2012)

Participation Organization: MERLIN Medical Emergency Relief International

Programme Description

Continuing violence in CAR has resulted in wide-scale displacement and severe disruption in access to health services. Since 2008, Merlin has been provided emergency healthcare and nutrition for displaced persons, refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Nana Mambere, Lobaye and most recently in the South-East region of Mbomou, where communities affected by rebel attacks suffer from poor access to healthcare services due to insecurity.

In the areas of high malnutrition, such as Mbomou and especially in Rafai sous prefecture, the risk of mortality is three times greater in HIV-infected children with severe malnutrition than in uninfected children with severe malnutrition

Merlin aims to reduce morbidity and mortality related to malnutrition and has identified a significant gap in nutrition services in the region. A nutrition programme is needed to address the high prevalence of severe and acute malnutrition in the Mbomou region.