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.
![Boost Hospital, Lashkar Gah, Helmand, Afghanistan Boost Hospital, Lashkar Gah, Helmand, Afghanistan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/dp617850h6r8dc261462yo1ru2sq06et.jpg)
Patient numbers falling in Helmand as intensifying conflict restricts access
![Testimony of a nigerian refugee Testimony of a nigerian refugee](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/61yxt8385sm4pvxpko6go13lq6ja561y.jpg)
We are scared to return
![Syrian Refugees Stranded in the "Berm" Jordan/Syria Border Syrian Refugees Stranded in the "Berm" Jordan/Syria Border](https://img.msf.org/Docs/MSF/Media/CMS3/0/3/2/2/MSF170071.jpg)
People in the Berm are stuck between life and death
![MSF intervention in Borno state, Nigeria MSF intervention in Borno state, Nigeria](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/n140718ytxhjdhhr6eb5jbdh6gv0467m.jpg)
Crisis Info on Borno Emergency - July 2016
![MSF Mobile Clinic in Juba, South Sudan MSF Mobile Clinic in Juba, South Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/03242w58567e4mes5c4uum56t332bro3.jpg)
MSF treats more than 2,700 people following violence in Juba
![Emergency response in Eastern Nigeria Emergency response in Eastern Nigeria](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/82v56632s5c208xg1t4s1c1it85yx6rn.jpg)
Health disaster in Borno State
![Leer & Thonyor - May 2016 Leer & Thonyor - May 2016](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/3881200hn5r07ri210m82sp3x1uj1j6b.jpg)
South Sudan: Activity Update, May 2016
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Activity Update, May 2016
![Mobile Clinics in Gudele, South Sudan Mobile Clinics in Gudele, South Sudan](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/7t422y71o0xlta2rx08nbgho0gt21414.jpg)
Our patients are telling us terrible stories
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)