World food crisis

Aid isn't helping starving children, say campaiging doctors

Article published on the 2008-04-23 Latest update 2008-04-24 08:28 TU

Food aid isn't helping children.
© MSF

International medical aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF or Doctors Without Borders) says that much of the food aid sent to impoverished countries is unsuitable for children.

As global food prices continue to rise, MSF says that more and more food aid is lacking in expensive, nutrient-rich products that undernourished children need.

 

MSF says that nutritious products like milk are often reduced or cut when food prices rise.

 

"Decisions about food aid are not necessarily informed by the needs of the population but what the donor country has to give and where they want to give it," MSF nutritional supervisor Dr Susan Shepherd told RFI.

 

 

The UN World Food Programme has warned that due to rising food prices, up to 100 million additional people will require food aid.

 

MSF has begun discussions with the UN and the United States to draw attention to the problem and propose solutions to the world’s largest food donors.