Although malnutrition rates have been falling for the past two years, they remain high, particularly in the centre and south, where chronic malnutrition stands at 22 percent with acute malnutrition reaching 5.9 percent. In total, one million children under the age of five are chronically malnourished.

• In Baghdad, from 1990-2000, the daily share of per capita potable water has declined from 330 liters to 150 liters.


• Three in four of the population dispose sewerage directly into rivers, streets or open areas. As a result, it is estimated that around 500,000 metric tons of raw sewage are dumped into fresh waters every day.


• Prior to 1990, 97 percent of people living in towns and 79 percent in the countryside had access to health services. Currently, just 929 primary health centers out of 1,800 prior to 1990 are working.

Against this humanitarian background, some 60 percent of the Iraqi population is totally dependent on the UN Oil-for-Food program

The Nutrition Program, which involves a monthly distribution of approximately 590 metric tons, has contributed to the better nutritional situation in northern Iraq. In the past five years, some US$40 million has been spent on supplementary food items for an average monthly caseload of 20,000.

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Already, thousands of Iraqi families are in desperate need of food. The families, including millions of children, are suffering from starvation and dehydration. Between 70% to 80% of the population is dependent on food rations from the government for survival, but due to the war, the infrastructure supporting the food distribution system has collapsed.

• The World Food Program is no longer distributing rations in northern Iraq.


• 80 percent of the Iraq population is at immediate risk of hunger and malnutrition.


• The Islamic Relief Agency reported that food and water supplies are currently not available in the markets of Baghdad.


• According to UNICEF, one in four children in Iraq is malnourished-that's one million total. It's questionable whether the 400,000 severely malnourished children will even survive the war.


• Stated in a recent UNICEF report, one quarter of Iraqi children are born underweight.

Since war broke out with Iraq, Food for the Hungry has been on the Jordanian border feeding refugees who are fleeing the country. Food for the Hungry is also sending medical supplies, equipment, blankets and food to the region.

Food for the Hungry is currently preparing for appropriate relief in the form of food, supplies and infastructure in Iraq.