Ambon refugees malnourished

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