NUTRITIONAL SITUATION IN SIERRA LEONE

Concentrates mainly on children under five with some data on pregnant and lactating women, owing to the fact that these groups are most likely receiving formal medical assistance. Study relies on available data with some direct observations made by the research team. Concludes that malnutrition in children under five represents a major nutritional problem, with about 30 percent of children found to be underweight. Appears that the nutritional status of children under five has changed little since 1964. Believes that pregnant women in Sierra Leone are under nutritional peril, although it is not clear whether availability of food, taboos, or other reasons affect the food intake of these women. Suggests a lack of calories represents the primary nutritional problem among working adults, although some obesity has been observed in both rural and urban areas of the country. Study provides wide selection of interviews, professional opinions, papers, and Sierra Leone National Nutrition Survey Questionnaire, as well as extensive lists of figures and tables.