Nutrition Fellow, CRS
Normal user
3 Mar 2020, 08:24
Hello, I am a fellow evaluating a community-based supplementary feeding program focused on children 6-59 months with MAM (we refer out for SAM) in a complex emergency context. We enroll if MUAC is <125mm, and we provide 8 fixed weeks of feeding/follow up; we do not discharge. We also do not take WFH. Our team has been defining recovery as the last follow-up MUAC greater than or equal to 125mm; is this in line with other organizations / WHO?
Essentially, is one MUAC greater than or equal to 125mm sufficient to meet MAM recovery criteria, or should we be using two consecutive MUACs >/= 125 mm? I see a lot of guidance for SAM recovery critieria, but not as much for MAM. I am newer to this field, so I appreciate your patience and feedback.
Director , PPB
Normal user
10 Mar 2020, 18:02
There is no UN official definition of recovery from MAM, but logically many of us find ourselves using the criterion of no longer qualifying for MAM treatment.
I would caution against using the word recovery in MUAC only-based programs, as -2 SD for 12 mo girls for MUAC is 12.0cm. So a number of the girls treated for MAM are not < 2SD below the population average. Rather use term, 'final MUAC > 12.4cm'. One MUAC > 12.4cm is enough, do not require 2 unless your main purpose is to give out lots of supplementary food.
Normal user
11 Mar 2020, 14:47
WFP uses the following criteria for MAM client discharge in Ethiopia
If a child was admitted based on MUAC, they should be discharged based on a target weight gain of 13% AND MUAC ≥12.5 cm for 2 consecutive distributions.
If the child reaches 13% target weight gain, but the MUAC measurement remains <12.5 cm, the child should continue attending TSFP distributions until the MUAC reaches ≥12.5 cm.
For PLW, MUAC ≥23cm for two consecutive follow ups
Freelance
Normal user
6 Jun 2020, 07:59
In Nepal, we use following discharge criteria for MAM:
MUAC >125 mm (12.5cm) And
Minimum 2 months stay in the program.