Nutritional interventions in refugee camps on Jordan's eastern border: assessment of status of vulnerable groups.

This study was carried out on refugees who had fled the turmoil in Iraq and were hosted atthe eastern border of Jordan. We assessed the nutritional status of 325 children aged 6 months-10 years and 452 females aged 10-72 years, and evaluated the food rations supplied by the UNHCR. Dietary, anthropometric and laboratory indicators were determined. For females and children respectively, prevalence rates were: anaemia 45% and 75%, iron deficiency 44% and 64%, and vitamin A deficiency 6% and 28%. Rationed foods supplied little of some micronutrients: only 33% of vitamin A needs were met. Dietary supplementation for refugees in camps is always warranted.