Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM): A Decision Tool for Emergencies

Different programming approaches have been used for prevention of acute malnutrition and management of MAM in recent emergencies (Haiti, Niger, Pakistan, etc.) based on the different situations in these countries. This variation in response raised questions about how to best guide emergency nutrition responses to prevent acute malnutrition and management of MAM. To address these concerns, the Global Nutrition Cluster convened a MAM Task Force under the leadership of WFP to develop a decision-making tool and guidance for prevention and management of MAM in emergencies.

The decision-making tool aims to:

• guide practitioners to identify the most appropriate and feasible programme strategy to address MAM in a particular emergency setting
• harmonize nutrition programme decision-making to MAM in emergency situations
• explicitly incorporate a range of contextual situational factors into the decision-making process, in addition to population level nutrition status before and during the emergency

The primary audience for the tool is nutrition staff from national governments and the key international and national organisations involved in nutrition emergencies addressing MAM. The government (or government body) should be the lead or a major partner in establishing the nutrition response in an emergency.