New nutrition policy tackles child health problem in Sudan

Authorities in Sudan are hoping to tackle malnutrition and other child health problems in the country with the launch of a new nutrition policy.

Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health has unveiled a new policy that covers the 15 northern states in the country and has been brought in to try to reduce mortality rates and reach its Millenium Development Goals.

Dr Iyabode Olusanm, UNICEF's acting representative in Sudan, said that "a standardised policy and strategy reaching down to communities and families" could have a huge impact on child health.

"The nutrition policy marks a further step by the Government of National Unity to tackle malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency, and will have a critical impact on Sudan's efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals for children," he added.

A call for a joint approach to health issues from the public and private sectors is needed in order to make more progress.

The 2006 Sudan Household Health survey found that more than 30 per cent of children younger than five suffer from malnutrition.

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