IDPs (ACF) - PFEDA / Page d'accueil PFEDA

Indicators and guidelines used
Acute malnutrition rates were estimated from the weight for height index values. Weight
for height index was calculated using National Centre for Health Statistics as a reference.
This is considered the most appropriate index to quantify wasting in a population in
emergency situations where acute forms of malnutrition are the predominant pattern. The
expression in Z-scores has a true statistical meaning and allows inter-study comparison.
The percentage of the median is commonly used to identify eligible children for feeding
programmes.
Guidelines for the results expressed in Z-Score:
• Severe acute malnutrition is defined by W/H < -3 SD and/or oedema
• Global acute malnutrition is defined by W/H < -2 SD and/or oedema
Guidelines for the results expressed in percentage of the reference median:
• Severe acute malnutrition is defined by W/H < 70 % and/or oedema
• Global acute malnutrition is defined by W/H < 80 % and/or oedema
Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is a useful tool for rapid screening of children
at a higher risk of mortality. MUAC changes only marginally between 12 and 59 months
of age (75 to 110 cm height group) and therefore does not need to be related to the age. It
is a reliable indicator of the muscular status of the child and is mainly used to identify
children with a high risk of mortality. The cut off values can vary according to authors;
the following figures were used for this survey:
• Low risk of mortality: MUAC ≥ 120mm
• Moderate risk of mortality: 110 mm ≤ MUAC < 120 mm:
• Severe risk of mortality: MUAC < 110 mm
Admission and discharge criteria in Action Contre la Faim feeding centres:
Therapeutic Feeding W/H < 70% of the median
and /or bilateral oedema
and /or Muac < 11 cm for height ≥75 cm
Supplementary Feeding W/H < 80% of the median
and /or 11 85% for 2 consecutive weighing
Absence of bilateral oedema 15 days
MUAC > 12 cm
Ascending weight curve
W/H > 85% for 2 consecutive weighing
MUAC > 12 cm
Ascending weight curve