Wasting was, however, significantly lower in the first year of life and this is due to the strong emphasis being given to improved breast-feeding practices. In response, the government has initiated a programme for the universal iodization of salt. Vitamin A deficiency exists in pockets and more data are being elicited. The main constraints have been a lack of general awareness about issues pertaining to nutrition, a rising cost of living and therefore reduced purchasing power of families, and the heavy government expenditure incurred on the current armed conflict in the northern and eastern regions of the country. There is an increasing awareness of lifestyle-related health problems associated with alcohol and tobacco use, substance abuse, diseases of affluence and nutrition, and sedentary lifestyles.
Smoking is rare among females.
Integrated approaches to alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention programmes have proved viable, with the necessary impetus being given by nongovernmental organizations that play the role of catalyst in motivating organizations and institutions to integrate tobacco and drug prevention programmes into their own activities. Newspapers and the radio have been particularly active in promoting positive lifestyles.