Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Malnutrition is a deficiency problem of nutrients in Ethiopian children. Malnutrition is classified as macronutrient and micronutrient deficiency.
  
• The macro deficiency is due to lack of protein and carbohydrate in the diet.
  
• The micro deficiency is due to lack of micronutrients such as Vitamin A deficiency or iron deficiency.
  
• Mothers may not be able to detect if their child has a malnutrition problem; therefore the health extension worker should check for malnutrition and anemia.
  
• Check for malnutrition signs like visible muscle wasting in infants less than six months age, oedema of both feet, determining MUAC for the child more than six months age, weight of the infant, severe medical complications and children and appetite test.
• Check child's palmar colour to identify anemia.
  
• Severe acute malnutrition can be classified into severely complicated malnutrition, underweight for less than 6-months infant, severe uncomplicated malnutrition, moderate malnutrition or no malnutrition.
• Anemia can be classified as severe anemia, anemia or no anemia.
  
• Severe complicated malnutrition in infants less than six months and children six months and above need referral treatment in the next higher level of health care. You should give the pre-referral treatments urgently.
  
• Severe anaemia and anemia in children also need a referral.
  
• Severe uncomplicated malnutrition, moderate malnutrition, underweight, no malnutrition and no anemia need your treatment and follow-up in your health post.