SURVEILLANCE OF THE NUTRITIONAL SITUATION OF THE POPULATION OF KINSHASA, ZAIRE (1991-1994)

Six anthropometric surveys using a random cluster sampling design have been organised in the capital of Zaire between November 1991 and Marc h 1994. The prevalence of acute malnutrition fluctuated with the seaso ns and followed the cyclic movements of foodprices on the market. The general tendency was rising. In March '94, 10,7 % (95 % confidence int erval: 8,8-12,9 %) of the children was suffering of acute malnutrition . Nevertheless, the standardised prevalence remained stable. This may suggest that the most disadvantaged living at certain poor zones of th e city disconnected, while the rest of the population could still mana ge to maintain their nutritional status. The hypothesis of increasing heterogenity is supported by the raising of the design-effect.