Tag: Who criteria

Worldwide, severe acute malnutrition affects millions of children under five and contributes to a significant number of child deaths annually. Diagnosing this life-threatening condition accurately is a crucial first step toward effective intervention and improved health outcomes for both children and adults.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition encompasses a range of conditions from undernutrition to overnutrition, with severe undernutrition impacting millions globally. Knowing how is severe malnutrition diagnosed is crucial for early intervention and improving health outcomes. Healthcare professionals use a combination of physical exams, anthropometric measurements, and established guidelines to identify severe cases.

According to the World Health Organization, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects an estimated 19 million children under 5 years of age globally. Diagnosing SAM relies on a combination of anthropometric measurements, such as weight-for-height and mid-upper arm circumference, alongside clinical signs like nutritional edema.