Dry supplementary feeding programmes: an effective short-term strategy in food crisis situations

Malnutrition is frequently a predominant problem in disasters, and suppleme ntary feeding programmes (SFPs) are often set up in food emergencies. This review analyses the effectiveness of such programmes in crisis situations i n Liberia, Burundi and Goma (Congo), concluding that it is feasible to enro l large numbers of children in SFPs and achieve proportions of recovery abo ve 75% if these programmes are implemented as a short-term measure in emerg ency situations. However, satisfactory SFP results do not necessarily indic ate improved nutritional status of the whole population.