Mortality, nutritional status and dietary conditions in a food deficit region: North Teso District, Uganda, December, 1980

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Abstract
Although the effects of food deficits are not currently severe, it is vital to monitor the continuing drought and civil chaos in the event the situation in Teso District deteriorates seriously during 1981. Areas adjacent to famine‐stricken Karamoja District in Uganda including Teso District were identified by the UN as suffering the effects of drought and civil disruption. In December, 1980, a study of mortality, nutritional status and dietary conditions was undertaken in North Teso. Using anthropometric data as a basis for the nutritional assessment of 415 randomly selected children ≤110 cm. in height a prevalence of 0.2 percent moderate acute malnutrition was found. Interviews in 200 randomly selected households revealed that the crude mortality rate and the infant mortality rate exceeded 1969 census findings by 140 percent and 72 percent respectively. Relief food commodities distributed by CARE were found to be eaten the previous day in only five percent of households. Field observations confirmed respondents’ complaints that food aid distribution was seriously deficient.

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