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Patiente Ngangu, MSF nurse
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More than 232 million children around the world last year suffered from malnutrition. It is the underlying contributing factor in nearly half of the deaths of children under five years of age.

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.

In 2022

Quick facts about malnutrition

 
MSF response to malaria outbreak in Zamfara State, Nigeria
Nigeria

Neglected humanitarian crisis escalates in northwest Nigeria

Press Release 11 Mar 2024
 
A boat used to transfer hundreds people docks at Bulukat port
South Sudan

Urgent response at transit sites in South Sudan essential to prevent deadly outbreaks

Press Release 22 Feb 2024
 
Umdawanban hospital OCG
Conflict in Sudan

Addressing myriad medical needs amidst conflict in Sudan

Voices from the Field 15 Feb 2024
 
Hepatitis E cases in Al-Tanideba, Sudan
Sudan

Urgent response needed amid high death rates and malnutrition crisis in North Darfur

Press Release 5 Feb 2024
 
MSF speed boat delivers hepatitis E vaccines
South Sudan

MSF launches mass vaccination campaign amid deadly hepatitis E outbreak in South Sudan

Press Release 30 Jan 2024
 
8- New natal ward-4
Afghanistan

Critical gaps in paediatric and neonatal care in Afghanistan’s northern provinces

Project Update 18 Dec 2023
 
Water crisis in Metche camp for Sudanese refugees and returnees in Chad
Chad

Severe lack of water causing serious health risks for children in Chad

Project Update 5 Dec 2023
 
Agok hospital
Burkina Faso

Malnutrition crisis grips children trapped in western Burkina Faso

Press Release 28 Nov 2023
 
Violence, displacement, and malnutrition care in Masisi’s territory
Democratic Republic of Congo

Violence exacerbates malnutrition in North Kivu, DRC

Project Update 26 Oct 2023
fieldresearch.msf.org

We 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.

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Nutrition centres in Maiduguri