Increasing the Coverage of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) Treatment in Ethiopia

Launched by INTERNATIONAL FOOD POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE · Apr 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called R-SWITCH, is focused on improving the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in young children in Ethiopia. The goal is to reach more children who need help by using local community groups to provide better support. This includes teaching families about child nutrition, actively checking children for signs of malnutrition, and ensuring that those who need treatment get the care they require. The study will look at how effective this approach is in increasing the number of children receiving treatment, what challenges there are in implementing it, and whether it is cost-effective.

To participate in this trial, children aged 6 months to 5 years old who are suffering from severe malnutrition can be enrolled. This includes children who have specific measurements indicating malnutrition or are already receiving outpatient treatment. However, children with certain physical conditions that make it difficult to measure their growth will not be included. Families participating in the trial can expect support and guidance throughout the process, as well as help for their child's nutritional needs. This study is currently recruiting participants, aiming to create lasting improvements in child health and nutrition in the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Child 6-59 months of age
• • Suffering from SAM (defined as MUAC \< 115mm or presence of bilateral pitting edema or Weight-for-Length Z-score \<-3) OR currently enrolled in SAM OTP
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Anthropometric malformation or being handicapped which hampers anthropometric measurements.