Pakistan suffering famine-like child malnutrition

[January 27, 2011]  ISLAMABAD (AP) -- The United Nations says that southern Pakistan is suffering child malnutrition rates similar to those seen in African famines following last year's massive floods.

The United Nations Children's Fund says a survey in southern Sindh province shows that almost a quarter of children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition.

UNICEF's deputy representative in Pakistan, Karen Allen, called the results "shockingly bad" in a statement that appeared on the group's website Wednesday. She said the malnutrition rates rival those from famines in Ethiopia, Chad and Darfur.

UNICEF's chief of communications in Pakistan, Kristen Elsby, called it "a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions." She said the survey was carried out after floods hit Pakistan in July.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.