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.
![One by One, Hospitals Are Damaged and Closed in Al Fasher as Fighting Rages On One by One, Hospitals Are Damaged and Closed in Al Fasher as Fighting Rages On](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/ueebrw8hi3inb5ca5m8q8f3s74xq04c4.jpg)
One by one, hospitals are damaged and closed in El Fasher as fighting rages
![Nutritional crisis in northwest Nigeria Nutritional crisis in northwest Nigeria](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/g50886q347i7n6msu4og85di225258ky.jpg)
Significant spikes in numbers of malnourished children require urgent action
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![Bullet hole caused by shooting in the operating room of the Zalingei teaching hospital, Central Darfur state, Sudan. Bullet hole caused by shooting in the operating room of the Zalingei teaching hospital, Central Darfur state, Sudan.](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/110r6ps14165g8k314p136t8114nbxv3.jpg)
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![Malnutrition in Zamzam camp, North Darfur Malnutrition in Zamzam camp, North Darfur](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/485563dj6ford0082mp2vej580d0yf4v.jpg)
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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)