Improving the Outcomes of Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects 16 million children at any one time and is responsible for the deaths of over 500,000 children under 5 years of age each year. Treatment for severe acute malnutrition is based on the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) model. The current methods used for detecting high risk children have not prevented 5% mortality observed in regions using this program. The purpose of the study is to provide evidence that objective methods for detecting high risk children can be used to optimize efficiency of Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) treatment programs and thus improve child health outcomes.