7.5.1  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.

7.5  Classification of malnutrition and anaemia

7.5.2  Classification of anaemia