Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Sierra Leone

Implement an integrated protocol in Sierra Leone for the management of MAM and non-complicated SAM that uses a single anthropometric indicator as well as the same food but in different doses to treat the continuum of malnutrition. MAM children will be given 75 g/kg/day of RUTF whereas SAM will be given 175 gr/kg/day of RUTF until MUAC\>12.5 cm is reached. Then child will be given LNS, a bed net, albendazole, zinc, referral for immunizations compliant with current WHO recommendations, oral rehydration salts to give if the child has more than three loose watery stools in 24 hours, and asked to return for follow-up in 1, 3 and 6 months. Caretakers will be instructed to seek medical care sooner if the child has fever, poor appetite or signs of an acute illness.

Current protocol for treating MAM in emergencies is supplemental food distribution, often providing a fortified blended food (FBF) that requires cooking. This treatment is the standard today for treating children with MAM.