04/10/2003

One the largest growing problems in Liberia is malnutrition. Many refugees and Liberian returnees are staying close to the border of Côte d'Ivoire where food supplies are scarce. UNHCR did not have regular access to the border due to insecurity and was therefore encouraging people to come into transit centers in order to get assistance. Many were severely malnourished by the time they reached the transit centers. Although the host population has been very generous despite increasing food prices and a bad agricultural season, all the populations--host communities, refugees, returnees--are facing a serious food crisis.