EFFECTIVENESS OF WHO PROTOCOLS IN THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN: A STUDY ON RECOVERY AND MORTALITY RATES
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Keywords
Severe acute malnutrition, WHO protocols, Nutrition Stabilization Center, recovery rate, Balochistan
Abstract
Introduction: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is an important public health challenge in low-income areas such as Balochistan in Pakistan, where children below five years are at risk of severe morbidity. Teaching Hospital Turbat has its own Nutrition Stabilization Center (NSC) that follows the WHO protocol in the management of SAM-complicated children to enhance recovery and reduce death.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of WHO protocols in treating SAM in children aged 6–59 months at the NSC in Kech, Balochistan, assessing recovery rates, mortality, and referrals to outpatient therapeutic programs (OTP).
Materials and Method: This study classified 173 patient records in January-June 2022 at the NSC, Teaching Hospital Turbat, as a retrospective cohort research. SAM children stabilization and nutrition rehabilitation was done according to WHO guidelines. The results were recovery, mortality, and OTP referral measured with descriptive statistics.
Results: Of 173 children, 127 (73.4%) were cured, 45 (26.0%) were referred to OTP, and no deaths occurred. Cure rates were highest in the 13–59-month age group (75.0–75.5%).
Conclusion: WHO protocols effectively treated SAM, achieving high recovery and zero mortality. Sustained NSC services are crucial for addressing SAM in Balochistan.
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Dr Misbah Munir
Associate Professor Pediatrics, Mekran Medical College Turbat, Pakistan
Dr Pirjan
Assistant Professor Pediatrics, Mekran Medical College Turbat, Pakistan
Dr Chakar Khan
Consultant Pediatrician, Mekran Medical College, Pakistan
Dr Mareena Ahmed
Assistant Professor Peadiatrics, Mekran Medical College Turbat, Pakistan
Shazia Ali
Consultant Pediatricain, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zahid al Nahyan Hospital Quetta, Pakistan
Dr Bilal Masood
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Bolan Medical College Quetta, Pakistan