Classification of malnutrition

There are four possible classifications for malnutrition and these are set out below.

Severe complicated malnutrition

A child will be classified as having severe complicated malnutrition in the following cases:

If the child’s age is below six months and the child has

• Visible severe wasting, or
• Oedema of both feet

OR

If the child’s age is six months or above and the child has

• A MUAC less than 11 cm, or
• Oedema of both feet and
• Any medical complication.

Severe uncomplicated malnutrition

A child will be classified as having severe uncomplicated malnutrition in the following cases:

If a child’s age is six months or above and the child has

• A MUAC less than 11 cm, or
• Oedema of both feet and
  • No medical complications and
  • Passes the appetite test.

Moderate acute malnutrition

A child will be classified as having moderate acute malnutrition in the following cases:

If a child’s age is six months or above and the child has

• A MUAC of 11 cm to less than 12 cm and
• No oedema of both feet.

No acute malnutrition

A child will be classified as having no acute malnutrition in the following cases:

• No visible severe wasting and
• No pitting oedema of both feet and
• Has a MUAC greater than 12 cm.