|
|
Economic access to food may be
a major cause of the nutritional problems in the country. The
percentage of the population living below the poverty line up
to 1996 was approximately 40%. Therefore a significant number
of persons, especially among the Amerindians are likely to be
vulnerable to insufficient nutrient intake and hence malnutrition.
|
|
|
A study was done prospectively
during two volunteer medical missions by a Canadian team carried
out in February 2003 and 2004. The medical team held clinics
in Guyana in a rural village, Bartica and surrounding area (population
15,900) and in Amazonian Indian children of the Akawaiu tribe
in five villages along the Upper Mazaruni River |
RESULTS: In 2004, 376 children less than 18 years
of age were evaluated. Height and weight data were available for
259 (69%). 30% were underweight, 41% were stunted and 21% were wasted.
These problems were more prevalent in the rural villages. Results
in 2003 were similar. The majority of children did not increase
in weight-for-age between 2003 and 2004
CONCLUSIONS: This survey of growth and anemia documents
a high prevalence of these problems in Guyanese children in a small
village and in Amazonian Indian children. Inadequate weight, but
not stunting was more often observed in children. Further research
is needed to evaluate the effect of genetic vs nutritional factors
on growth in this population. It is important to recognize the prevalence
of these problems to help children in Guyana improve dietary intake
and prevent the consequences of anemia and malnutrition.
Health
It must be emphasized, however, that although Guyana's
health profile still falls short in comparison with many of its
Caribbean neighbours, there has been remarkable progress since 1988,
and the Ministry of Health is constantly upgrading conditions, procedures,
and facilities. Open heart surgery is now available in the country,
and in the second half of 2007 an ophthalmic center will open. <
Read more >
|
|