Severe Acute Malnutrition Relapse Research

About This Project

Summary

This first-of-its-kind study tracked outcomes of children treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening form of hunger. It monitored child progress in Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan for six months after treatment, identifying which children successfully treated for SAM are most vulnerable to relapse. These valuable new insights could save lives by helping better allocate threadbare humanitarian aid budgets for greater impact.

Goals & Objectives

Each year, millions of children are treated for severe malnutrition and recover fully, but little was known about what happens afterward. This study compared children treated for SAM to their otherwise healthy peers to understand the rates and risk factors of relapse.

Results & Impact

It was assumed that after children recovered from SAM, they were as healthy as their peers. We found their risks are far higher: 23-64% relapse, context depending. Results show a need for new support post-discharge and were shared widely with NGOs and funders (USAID, CDC, etc) to inform decisioning.