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Sudanese refugees in Adre, February 2024
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 2023

Quick facts about malnutrition

 
Central African Republic

In just two weeks 390 children treated for malnutrition at new MSF nutritional project in the Central African Republic

Project Update 18 Aug 2009
 
Niger

New opportunities to defeat childhood malnutrition

Project Update 13 May 2009
 
Malnutrition

UN Madrid Food Summit could miss critical target - 55 million young children at risk

Press Release 23 Jan 2009
 
Access to medicines

JAMA study shows food supplements can significantly reduce rates of deadliest form of malnutrition

Press Release 20 Jan 2009
 
Guinea

Civilian prisoners in Guinea prison suffer malnutrition, exposure to TB, in appalling conditions

Project Update 26 Nov 2008
 
Niger

French section of MSF forced to leave Niger

Press Release 30 Oct 2008
 
Niger

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is involved in other activities in Niger besides malnutrition.

Project Update 22 Oct 2008
 
Niger

MSF calls upon the President of Niger to lift the ban on its activities immediately

Project Update 21 Oct 2008
 
Uganda

We fear the worst is still to come

Project Update 16 Oct 2008
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