There seems to be much concern on the way different organisations deal with malnutrition in east africa
Not to deal with it in isolation from health and hygiene factors. An integrated approach is essential. Even the best supplementary feeding programs will only help a child recover about a third of its lost growth in the absence of a parallel WASH program.
many cases of malnutrition in children are caused by long-term health conditions and hospital treatment is often required.
Childhood malnutrition can sometimes be treated by giving your child additional nutrients to increase their intake of energy and protein. This may involve taking special supplements and eating foods high in energy and nutrients.
The underlying cause of their malnutrition may also need to be treated.
Severely malnourished children need to be fed and rehydrated with great care and so cannot be given a normal diet straight away.
Once their condition stabilises, they can gradually be introduced to a normal diet.
Malnutrition due to lack of food is a child protection issue, meaning police and social services need to be informed.
It depends on what type and degree of malnutrition you are working with. Severely malnourished children often need calories and protein, but others may need vitamins and minerals. For example We currently are working on a food aid weaning food for malnourished children with the specific goal of increasing caloric density, protein content and digestibility, and vitamin A and iron consumption. This meets a different need than food aid products such a "Plumpy Nut" that is intended for severely malnourished children in a medical environment who need very dense calorie foods.
I would recommend the WHO guidance and 10 steps to treating and managing childhood malnutrition. The guidelines have recently been updated. We have a on line course based on the guidelines, been used by 5000 people in the last 15 months.
www.som.soton.ac.uk/learn/test/nutrition
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