THE DISTRIBUTION OF KWASHIORKOR IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MALAWI

Using existing nutritional survey data collected over an Ii-month peri od during the recent drought, we sought to determine the distribution of kwashiorkor in the ten districts of the Southern Region of Malawi. Sampling and survey methods were identical and considerable efforts we re made to ensure comparability. In 23 surveys, 25 824 children were w eighed and measured and oedema was recorded. The district-adjusted pre valence of kwashiorkor was 18/1000. The northernmost districts of the Southern Region had rates five to ten times higher than the southernmo st districts. Prevalence peaked at 18-23 months and was similar in boy s and girls. Dysentery was associated with the presence of kwashiorkor while diarrhoea was not. The distinctive pattern of kwashiorkor in th e region suggests that there are characteristics specific to the north ern districts that place children in these areas at greater risk of kw ashiorkor.