North Korea: where children look like old men
Chelala, C.
Lancet 351(9111): 1261
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 9643760 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(05)79333-8Document Number: 273980
North Korea has been stricken by drought and famine for nearly 3 years, and the worst is not over. The general health of the population is deteriorating rapidly, and many children are existing in a state of malnutrition that will damage them for life. A 1997 survey of 4200 children under 5 years old in four eastern provinces revealed that 33% of the 50% who were malnourished suffered severe malnutrition. North Koreans migrating to China in search of food report that 24-32% of their immediate family members have starved to death. A team from the private voluntary organization US Food for Peace assessed the situation in 1997 and reported that the national health system is hampered by shortages of medicines, equipment, supplies, and food. The depleted water supply could make 1998 rice yields lower than ever, and grain stocks may be depleted by the end of April. A large-scale food-aid program will be required until October 1998 and should target children and the elderly because they are the most vulnerable groups. The World Food Programme is directing food aid toward children, hospital patients, pregnant women, disabled people, and agricultural workers. It is in the best interests of the international community to provide food aid to this desperate population.