What is severe acute malnutrition?

Inpatient treatment of severe acute malnutrition Severe acute malnutrition is defined by a very low weight for height (below -3z scores of the median WHO growth standards), by visible severe wasting, or by the presence of nutritional oedema. read more

Severe acute malnutrition is a major cause of death in children under 5, and its prevention and treatment are critical to child survival and development. Across the globe, an estimated 16 million children under the age of 5 are affected by severe acute malnutrition. read more

Severe acute malnutrition is defined in these guidelines as the presence of oedema of both feet or severe wasting (weight-for-height/length <-3SD or mid-upper arm circumference < 115 mm). No distinction is made between the clinical conditions of kwashiorkor or severe wasting because their treatment is similar. read more