Ambon refugees malnourished

AMBON, Maluku: Hundreds of displaced persons living in shelters across Ambon are suffering from malnutrition, a health official says.

Ambon City Health Office head Hans Lisaay said Thursday information from community health centers in the city found most malnutrition cases were found near refugee shelters, especially those in Waihaong Park and Batumerah.

"From our survey two weeks ago, we found some 503 malnourished people, with 200 of them suffering from severe malnutrition," Hans said.

The Ambon municipal administration, he said, had allocated Rp 27 million (US$2,842) to provide additional food and milk for the people but the amount would not be enough. Those suffering from severe malnutrition needed to be provided with milk for at least three months, while he estimated the funds would only last for around a month.

"But we'll do out best while waiting for assistance from other caring individuals or groups," Hans said. -- JP