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Nearly two million children lose their lives to acute malnutrition every year – despite the existence of a simple, effective solution that could save countless lives.

A child dies of hunger every 15 seconds. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ (̽»¨¾«Ñ¡) has developed a treatment method with a remarkable success rate, helping over 90% of severely malnourished children recover.

In Gaza, famine threatens due to prolonged interruptions in emergency aid and food. In Sudan , one of the world’s most acute hunger crises is underway. And in Afghanistan , three decades of conflict, combined with severe drought and food insecurity, have led to 3.2 million children suffering from malnutrition by the end of 2024. 

Famine looms over Gaza as prolonged disruptions to emergency aid and food supplies push millions to the brink of starvation. In Sudan, one of the most severe hunger crises in the world is unfolding, threatening countless lives. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, decades of conflict, compounded by devastating drought and widespread food insecurity, have left 3.2 million children facing malnutrition by the end of 2024.

Nearly half of all child deaths worldwide are attributed to malnutrition.

The entire population of Gaza is grappling with food insecurity. The latest IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) report warns that Gaza is on the brink of famine.

Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

What is malnutrition?  

Malnutrition occurs when a child does not receive adequate nutrition, and its severity is not always immediately visible, as much of the harm happens internally.

For children who survive, the effects of malnutrition can be devastating and long-lasting. It can cause irreversible damage to brain development and significantly weaken the immune system, leaving the child more vulnerable to illness throughout their life.

How the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ helps acutely malnourished children

4 out of 5 children suffering from acute malnutrition receive no assistance. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s evidence-based approach streamlines treatment to reach more children in need. Built on extensive research in countries heavily impacted by malnutrition, this approach has proven to deliver care to significantly more children compared to traditional methods.

By treating all forms of acute malnutrition with a single product in a unified care setting, we make it possible for more children to get the help they need to survive and fully recover.

In just one year, we’ve provided examinations and treatments for malnutrition to 2.9 million people.

How to help children suffering from malnutrition

Children and families suffering from malnutrition in remote crisis areas often face significant barriers to accessing help. These challenges can stem from extreme poverty, unsafe travel conditions, or environmental obstacles such as flooding, which further exacerbate their vulnerability.

Mother Maryam and her son Musa faced acute malnutrition when the family was forced to flee Nigeria. Today, Musa is recovering thanks to the efforts of the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡.

Photo: Karl Bergbom the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s mobile health teams can go where help is needed most, saving families from having to travel far to hospitals for care.

Easy diagnostics with measuring tape

Color-coded measuring tapes applied to a child's upper arm are a simple yet effective tool for identifying malnutrition. These tapes not only detect if a child is at risk but also indicate the severity of their condition, enabling timely intervention.

The upper arm of a severely malnourished child measures just over 4 centimeters, which is roughly the size of two adult fingers.

Photo: Taiwo Aina for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

Tape measures offer the convenience of easy use, allowing parents to monitor their children's measurements from the comfort of home.

Life saving peanut paste

One food product can treat all acutely malnourished children—it's simply a matter of adjusting the dosage to meet their specific needs.

This life-saving solution comes in the form of a nutrient-rich peanut paste, packaged conveniently in a squeeze pouch. Unlike traditional treatments requiring clinics or IV drips, this allows parents to care for their children at home. By making treatment more accessible, we can reach more children and save more lives.

Peanut paste can be a lifesaving solution. It is highly nutritious, easy to transport, requires no cooking, and does not need refrigeration, making it an ideal resource in critical situations.

Photo: Timothy Nesmith for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s method must reach more acutely malnourished children

Using the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s proven, evidence-based approach, over of children treated achieve a full recovery.

The solution is here—now it needs to reach those who need it most.

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ community relay workers monitor the health of Suzane Kasongo’s child Kahite during an ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ community healthcare meeting to monitor the health and nutrition of children outside the town of Kalemie.

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge about simple, effective ways to treat malnutrition. By sharing our research with other humanitarian organizations, we foster collaboration to reach and support even more children in need.

Additionally, we actively engage with governments worldwide, advocating for greater investment in tackling childhood malnutrition through the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s streamlined and impactful approach.

At the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s innovation hub, we are constantly refining our methods to save more lives and create lasting impact.

You can be part of the solution. Make a to ensure that more acutely malnourished children get the life-saving support they urgently need.