Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in infants 0-5 months
Prevalence rate (%) of severe acute malnutrition in infants less than 6 months of age based on presence of bilateral pitting oedema and weight-for-height z-score less than -3 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 severe acute malnutrition
Denominator
Total number of children 0-5 months surveyed
Disaggregation
Geographical area, sex
Indicator used for response monitoring ?
Yes
Types
Baseline
Outcome
Threshold / Standard
No standard WHO thresholds; this indicator cut-off should be interpreted in consideration of other indicators including morbidity, mortality and proportion of GAM; Reference: WHO child growth standards and the identification of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children. A Joint Statement by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, 2009.
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 severe 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.