Author(s): Dr. Akanksha Choudhary

Abstract:
Poor nutrition severely hinders personal, social and national development. The problem is more obvious among the poor and disadvantaged. The ultimate consequence is millions of severely malnourished children throughout the world. In developing countries an estimated 50.6 million children under the age of five are malnourished, and those who are severely malnourished and admitted to hospital face 30-50% case fatality rate (WHO). With appropriate treatment, as described in these guidelines, this unacceptably high death rate can reduced to less than 5%. The evidence base for effective prevention and treatment is incontrovertible, but is not put into practice.