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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

 
Mobile clinic in the South Omo zone
Cholera

Urgent action needed to tackle cholera across Horn of Africa

Voices from the Field 13 Jul 2023
 
Mobile clinic in the South Omo zone
Ethiopia

Immediate resumption of food distributions urgently needed in Ethiopia

Press Release 7 Jul 2023
 
Helping tackle malnutrition and malaria in Angola
Angola

Tackling malnutrition and malaria in Angola

Project Update 6 Jul 2023
 
Malnutrition in northwest Nigeria : MSF's ITFC at Kofar Sauri, Katsina
Nigeria

Urgent action needed to avert catastrophic malnutrition crisis

Press Release 3 Jul 2023
 
Passenger boat between islands
Kiribati

People in Kiribati threatened by climate crisis and multiple health threats

Project Update 10 May 2023
 
Malnutrition admissions surge in Maiduguri, Borno State
Nigeria

MSF warns of catastrophe as unprecedented number of malnourished children need lifesaving support

Press Release 26 Apr 2023
 
MSF-supported Al-Jamhouri Hospital | Antenatal Consultation
Yemen

Eight years of war create perfect storm for humanitarian crisis 

Voices from the Field 31 Mar 2023
 
Mobile clinic in the South Omo zone
Ethiopia

People in Omo Valley at high risk to kala azar 

Project Update 28 Mar 2023
 
Pakistan floods - North Sindh
Pakistan

Pakistan flood response is still “an emergency”

Press Release 9 Jan 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