Acute malnutrition in infants less than 6 months
Acute malnutrition in infants less than 6 months
Prevalence rate (%) of global acute malnutrition in infants less than 6 months of age based on presence of bilateral pitting oedema and /or weight-for-height z-score less than -2 standard deviations of the median of the standard population (WHO 2006)
Unit Description:
Percentage
Numerator:
Number of infants 0-5 months that meet the criteria for global acute malnutrition
Denominator:
Total number of children less than 6 months surveyed
Disaggregation:
Geographical area, sex
Threshold / Standard:
WHO TRS 854. Severity classification: 5,10, 15%
General guidance:
Should be based on a methodologically solid anthropometric nutrition survey finding and include Confidence Intervals
Guidance on phases:
preparatory; Phase III and IV
Phase applicability:
Pre-crisis/Baseline
Phase 3
Phase 4
Data Sources:
Population-based surveys with representative sampling methods (MICS, DHS, SMART)
Comments:
Note that WFH and MUAC do not measure the same things and are not comparable. Data on the acute malnutrition rate should be compared by sex in order to identify any specific discrimination baby girls or baby boys might face in accessing nutrition. In case there is an important difference between the percentage of infant girls and the percentage of infant boys suffering from malnutrition, the programme should address these gaps by undertaking a gender analysis of the specific challenges the disadvantaged group is facing, including an analysis of the socio cultural habits and beliefs on breastfeeding that might differently impact on baby girls' and baby boys' nutritional well being.