Unit 1: Definition of malnutrition
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Classification of Malnutrition
How to determine moderate and severe malnutrition: moderate malnutrition

WHO defines Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) as:
• Weight-for-height between -2 and -3SD;
Or
• Mid upper arm circumference between 115 and 125mm for children aged 6-59 months.

Children with moderate acute malnutrition are moderately wasted (thin). If left unchecked and untreated it can become severe. It therefore must be treated early.

Q. You have calculated Sheema’s weight-for-length SD score. Does she have MAM?

a) Yes
b) No
Name: Sheema
Age: 2 yrs 0 mnth
Sex: female
Length: 67.0cm
Weight: 3.9kg
Weight-for-length:
<-3SD