Malnutrition can lead to a weakened immune system meaning children are more vulnerable to disease. These diseases can lead to further malnutrition, creating a vicious cycle of malnutrition and disease.
MSF first introduced specific therapeutic foods to treat malnutrition on a large scale as long ago as 2005, which has been widely used since; but access to specific and necessary nutrition remains one of the major challenges in reducing child mortality, especially in conflict-affected countries, where they are most vulnerable.
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Quick facts about malnutrition
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![Treating Severe Acute Malnutrition in Chakradharpur block of Jharkhand Treating Severe Acute Malnutrition in Chakradharpur block of Jharkhand](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/tgxv8c6h3cpvr07h6570oo1axko071r4.jpg)
MSF screens a community for potential malnutrition by conducting nutritional assessments, and during almost all of our outpatient and inpatient services not dedicated specifically to nutrition and during other interventions. Our teams assess children by comparing their weight-for-height ratio to international WHO standards, and/or by measuring a child’s mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) using colour-coded paper bracelets. MUAC measurements are also simple enough to be used at a village level by community health workers.
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![Situation in Borno state, November 2016 Situation in Borno state, November 2016](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/2tp7axap86q13r44um63l3vvo0e841g3.jpg)
The widespread use of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), that can be stored long-term without refrigeration and contains a specific balance of nutrients, allows us to more effectively fight against malnutrition. RUTF can be either a paste, much like peanut butter, or in a biscuit form. The majority of children can be treated at home by their family with follow-up appointments at a clinic. This strategy can result in cure rates of over 90 per cent and reduce referral to inpatient care.
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![Nutrition centers for malnourished people (severe and modaretely cases) Nutrition centers for malnourished people (severe and modaretely cases)](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/5/8/5/7/MSF37083.jpg)
In some regions, our teams run malnutrition prevention projects to stop children falling ill, especially after a yearly “hunger gap”. MSF starts working and sets up outpatient clinics months before malnutrition cases peak at the start of the rainy season. In areas where malnutrition is likely to become severe, our teams take a preventative approach by distributing a nutritious supplement to at-risk children across Africa and Asia and making sure other disease prevention initiatives, like vaccinations and malaria chemoprophylaxis, are implemented.
![Refugees at Mbera camp in Mauritania’s desert Refugees at Mbera camp in Mauritania’s desert](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/afbrkcw358i560id670sb4d4rq7545r8.jpg)
Malian refugees at risk of increased malnutrition following cancelled food distributions
![Melut, Upper Nile state, South Sudan Melut, Upper Nile state, South Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/jj3k53v0o7j21ep15c10j3d182n5540a.jpg)
MSF resumes activities in Melut amid challenges to access the population in parts of Upper Nile state
![Measles in Katanga Measles in Katanga](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/ss50d004e1o62812w43ej404ee02y81m.jpg)
DRC: Measles in Katanga - "We’re facing a genuine epidemic emergency."
![Healthcare in Boguila, Central African Republic Healthcare in Boguila, Central African Republic](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/4/c/a/8/MSF144274.jpg)
“Without healthcare in Boguila our children would be like dead leaves falling from a tree”.
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In the aftermath, everything has changed
MSF calls for community management of acute malnutrition after new evidence shows high cure rates
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An estimated 6,000 new IDPs are living in very precarious situation in Maiduguri
![malnutrition in the pastoralist community of Fiq malnutrition in the pastoralist community of Fiq](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/2/e/8/2/MSF143305.jpg)
Treating children against the ‘evil eye’ of malnutrition in the pastoralist community of Fiq
![Refugees from CAR seek shelter in DRC Refugees from CAR seek shelter in DRC](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/5e14k27116o2cvq855si75b2vjau481x.jpg)
Refugees and host community struggle to survive in northern DRC
MSF Malnutrition Research
fieldresearch.msf.orgWe produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. Read all our Malnutrition-related articles on our dedicated Field Research website.
![Nutrition centres in Maiduguri Nutrition centres in Maiduguri](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/4tx6wn7e4368lg8nv05jcadxsp245217.jpg)