MALNUTRITION IN FIELD . NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR 1968-9

A short-term, large-scale medical and feeding programme has been provided for a population of 150,006 in the bush area near Udi in eastern Nigeria (Biafra). By January 1969 8,000 patients were receiving medical treatment each week for varying degrees of protein malnutrition (including kwashiorkor), vitamin deficiency, and dehydration; while 100,000 received weekly rations of a protein-supplemented diet. Close co-operation between the medical team—which consisted of one doctor, four nurses, and two relief workers—and the local Ibo people contributed to the success of the relief programme. © 1969, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.