The World Health Organization on Friday released long-awaited updated guidance on the prevention and management of malnutrition in children, which for the first time includes instruction on both severe and moderate forms.
Devex obtained a copy of the report — the first update in a decade — which was made available on an internal research website but not posted publicly.
WHO is responsible for issuing standards for treatment of all diseases and conditions worldwide. The malnutrition guidelines consider “the best available evidence” and govern how international organizations and health ministries respond to starving children with treatments that include ready-to-use-therapeutic foods, or RUTFs. They also govern who treats children and where — in clinics or at home.
About the author
Teresa Welshtmawelsh
Teresa Welsh is a Senior Reporter at Devex. She has reported from more than 10 countries and is currently based in Washington, D.C. Her coverage focuses on Latin America; U.S. foreign assistance policy; fragile states; food systems and nutrition; and refugees and migration. Prior to joining Devex, Teresa worked at McClatchy's Washington Bureau and covered foreign affairs for U.S. News and World Report. She was a reporter in Colombia, where she previously lived teaching English. Teresa earned bachelor of arts degrees in journalism and Latin American studies from the University of Wisconsin.
