International guidelines on Family MUAC and Simplified Approaches

I sit on the Simplified Treatment of SAM committee/ discussion group.  I am not aware of a deadline or time frame to 'come to a decision' about other elements of a simplified protocol.  I do think that each simplification is distinct and separate, and warrants careful consideration.  For example 'using family MUAC' is something that does not replace other activities and really has no downside if treatment is available for mothers who find their children malnourished.  Simple reduction in dosage of RUTF as a SAM child recovers to MUAC > 11.4 cm is associated with less linear growth in a few studies.  This suggests while RUTF may be very well suited for the rapid catchup growth phase, that something is missing with the dose reduction.  Perhaps those closer to the closing the GAP effort might have more insight.

Hi Lucia,

The WHO CMAM Guidelines currently do not reflect any of the modifications included under the simplified approaches. The Covid guidance does allow for these modifications in certain contexts. WHO is currently undergoing a review/update process of the CMAM guidance and will be reviewing the evidence on some of the simplified approaches. We expect the revised guidance out sometime next year.