Optimizing Acute Malnutrition Management in Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Democratic Republic of Congo

"All children with a MUAC\<125mm or oedema will be treated with the same RUTF, according to a new dosage table based on the evolution of MUAC and weight during recovery (RUTF dosage prescribed is gradually reduced as weight and MUAC increase).~All children will be followed-up for 6 months following randomization. They will have weekly outpatient visit in the health facility until they meet discharge criteria, and then a bimonthly community-based follow-up in their villages (vital \& anthropometric status and referral to the health facility for appropriate nutritional/medical care if indicated)."

"Children presenting with MUAC\<115 or WHZ\<-3 or nutritional oedema, will be treated with RUTF, according to the usual dosage table based on weight at each visit.~All children (whether eligible for RUTF or not) will be followed-up for 6 months following randomization. Children eligible for RUTF at randomization will have a weekly outpatient visit in the health facility until they meet discharge criteria, and then a bi-monthly community-based follow-up in their villages (vital \& anthropometric status and referral to the health facility for appropriate nutritional/medical care if indicated). Children not eligible for RUTF at randomization will benefit from this same monthly community-based follow-up."