title: Nutrition in humanitarian crises.
abstract: It is anticipated that humanitarian crisis situations will continue to occur in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region affecting large segments of vulnerable populations. Subsequently the magnitude and effectiveness of the humanitarian response, particularly for food and nutrition, must be based on best practices and sound information of affected populations. To bridge the burgeoning gap between the food and nutrition needs of affected populations and the available resources, four key areas need to be addressed by the humanitarian agencies: adequate knowledge and skills in public health nutrition; effective coordination between humanitarian organizations when conducting nutritional assessments and interventions; efficient and appropriate delivery of services; communication, awareness and advocacy. This paper discusses approaches to how these may be improved.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Humanitarian Action, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bagchi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Musani
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tomeh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taha
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D019985:Benchmarking; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005522:Food Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007390:International Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D014944:World Health Organization