Table 3 Indicative summary of novel protocols and/or guidance for management of acute malnutrition mentioned in this study

Combined protocol

Protocol that treats SAM and MAM as one condition on a spectrum, with 1) treatment dispensed at a single location, 2) diagnosis on MUAC and oedema, 3) treatment with one ready-to-use food product, 4) simplified dosage.

Study protocol published in Trials (Bailey et al., 2018); ENN publication on Phase 1 (Bailey et al., 2016)

Simplified protocol

Protocol meant to increase flexibility for programming in exceptional emergency contexts that provides for 1) use of MUAC and oedema only for admission, follow-up and discharge; 2) use of a single ready-to-use food product; and 3) screening & provision of treatment provided at every contact with the community.

ECHO’s June 2017 technical Issue paper (ECHO, 2017) & Technical Annex; see FEX article in continuum of care issue

Expanded criteria

Protocol focusing on situations in which either an OTP, a TSFP, or both, are unavailable. Calls for a MUAC or WHZ-based dosing schedule of two sachets of the available product for SAM and one sachet of the available product for MAM per day.

Guidance note on CMAM in Emergencies; Global Nutrition Cluster MAM Task Force’s “Moderate Acute Malnutrition: a Decision Tool for Emergencies,” updated in 2017