Adapting acute malnutrition treatment protocols in emergency contexts: a qualitative study of national decision-making
There is widespread confusion about protocol terminology and content at a national level stemming from a lack of coherence at the global level
Abstract
Global treatment protocols for severe acute malnutrition(SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) call for SAM and MAM to be managed separately. However global-level stakeholders have recently begun evaluating simplified and/or combined protocols managing acute malnutrition
This study found that there is widespread confusion about protocol terminology and content for SAM and MAM at a national level (in Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan) stemming from a lack of coherence at the global level.
Based on these findings, global-level stakeholders should urgently improve coordination and communication around existing protocols for SAM and MAM, particularly in emergency contexts and in situations of limited resources.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme
Citation
Kozuki, N., Seni, M., Sirat, A. et al. Adapting acute malnutrition treatment protocols in emergency contexts: a qualitative study of national decision-making. Confl Health 14, 47 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-020-00293-x