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

Indicator used for response monitoring ?

Yes

Types

Baseline

Outcome

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.