Hunger down in Iraq, WFP says

BAGHDAD, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The number of Iraqis facing a food shortage has dropped at least 75 percent from 2005 to 2007, says a joint study by Baghdad with the U.N. World Food Program.

The Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment found the number of people lacking sufficient food resources in Iraq fell from 4 million in 2005 to some 930,000 in 2007, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The study surveyed the food situation in all 18 Iraqi provinces, finding marked declines in acute malnutrition in children under 5 years old, with little change beyond the acute level.

The assessment called for an educational reform in the arena of food education programs and maternal care practices. The WFP also called on Baghdad to increase the efficiency of its monthly food rationing system available to vulnerable families.

Edward Kallon with the WFP in Iraq said the news was positive but gave only cautious praise, saying 930,000 "is still far too many for a relatively wealthy country."

He said the relative improvements in the security situation throughout the country allowed humanitarian agencies and international donors to work more freely in the country.

"But the situation remains volatile, and any deterioration could undermine the whole process," he cautioned.