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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

 
Liberia

MSF teams fight cholera and malnutrition in Monrovia IDP camps despite ongoing fighting

Project Update 3 Jul 2003
 
Chad

First signs of malnutrition among refugees

Press Release 28 May 2003
 
Côte d'Ivoire

Feeding supplies in response to increasing malnutrition

Press Release 27 May 2003
 
Ethiopia

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 children suffer fromacute malnutrition in Damot Gale district

Press Release 14 May 2003
 
Burundi

MSF reinforces aid in Burundi as malnutrition increases rapidly

Project Update 7 Feb 2003
 
Angola

MSF Top-Ten under-reported humanitarian stories for 2002

Project Update 31 Dec 2002
 
Angola

While malnutrition rates decline in Angola, conditions remain severe

Project Update 13 Nov 2002
 
Angola

MSF surveys in Mavinga show depth of ongoing malnutrition crisis in pockets of Angola

Campaign 8 Aug 2002
 
Angola

Over 280 tonnes of food shipped to Angola to maintain MSF feeding centres

Project Update 1 Jul 2002
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