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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

 
Niger

MSF still blocked in Maradi, Niger, despite a new memorandum of understanding

Press Release 1 Oct 2008
 
Malnutrition

WHO experts meeting has potential to impact millions of malnourished children

Press Release 29 Sep 2008
 
Ethiopia

MSF in Ethiopia as malnutrition continues and numbers remain high

Project Update 19 Aug 2008
 
Ethiopia

Feeding programmes in Ethiopia target vulnerable populations as strong malnutrition levels continue

Project Update 31 Jul 2008
 
Ethiopia

Alarming malnutrition situation in children in southern Ethiopia brings immediate outreach programmes to increasing needs

Project Update 18 Jul 2008
 
Somalia

Trapped Somali populations need immediate life-saving assistance

Press Release 26 Jun 2008
 
Somalia

Malnutrition in Somalia increases drastically as assistance dwindles

Project Update 26 Jun 2008
 
Somalia

First-hand account of Somalia catastrophe

Voices from the Field 26 Jun 2008
 
Ethiopia

MSF scaling up nutritional programs in Ethiopia

Project Update 13 Jun 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