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.