WHO child growth standards and the identification of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children

This "Joint Statement on the WHO child growth standards and the identification of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children" presents the recommended weight-for-height cut-offs to identify children with severe acute malnutrition, summarizes the rationale for their adoption, and advocates for their harmonized application. It aims to improve the identification of infants and children aged six to 60 months in need of treatment for severe acute malnutrition. The Statement also reviews the implications of its application on patient load, discharge criteria and programme planning and monitoring.