Assessment of Implementation of an Anaemia Reduction Initiative Including Blanket Supplementary Feeding Distributing LNS and MNP on Anaemia in a Protracted Refugee Situation

Abstract

Objectives: Micronutrient malnutrition, commonly manifested as stunting and anaemia, is a persistent public health problems in populations experiencing a protracted refugee situation like the Western Sahara refugees living in south-west Algeria. A UNHCR and partners' strategy to address this issue was to implement a blanket supplementary feeding programme providing lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) and micronutrient powders (MNP) to children aged 6-35 and 36-59 months, respectively. We present data on anaemia prevalence in children aged 6-59 months after two-years of implementation. Methods: Routine pre- (2010) and post-intervention (2012) cross-sectional nutrition surveys were conducted assessing anaemia (Hb<11g/dL) in four Western Sahara refugee camps. Data on coverage was obtained by questionnaire in the post-intervention nutrition survey. Results: Overall, we observed a significant reduction in anaemia prevalence in children 6-59 months between baseline (52.8%; 95% CI: 49.1-56.6) and end-line (28.4%; 95% CI: 25.7-31.0); and an increase in mean haemoglobin concentration from 10.7 g/dL (s.d.:1.7) to 11.6 g/dL (s.d.:1.4). A similar pattern of differences for anaemia prevalence was observed when the analysis was stratified by camp. Coverage for LNS among children aged 6-35 months was 70%, contrasting with 14% for MNP among children aged 36-59 months. Conclusions: A blanket supplementary feeding programme providing LNS and MNP is associated with anaemia reduction among children living in a protracted refugee situation. The discrepancy in reported coverage for each product suggests that this reduction could be largely attributed to differences in adherence. Further research is needed to understand potential negative interactions in adherence during concomitant distributions of LNS and MNP.