Management of Acute Malnutrition: Lebanon National Guidelines 2017
The National Guidelines for the management of Acute Malnutrition for Lebanon are based on World Health Organisation guidelines for the treatment of infants and children with acute malnutrition and conform to international standards of care for primary health care and hospital-based treatment. Protocols of care have been adapted so as to be suitable for the Lebanese context.
Ministry of Health
The purpose of these guidelines on the management of acute malnutrition is to provide the required minimum standards for delivering a comprehensive set of nutrition interventions aimed at preventing and managing the treatment of acute malnutrition in children under five and pregnant and lactating women in various service delivery points such as Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers and within the communities. These guidelines start-off with providing an overview of malnutrition; its’ common underlying causes, pathophysiology, types and classification as well as a brief overview on identifying and treating acute malnutrition. The guidelines also stress the importance of preventing malnutrition through adopting optimal infant and young child feeding practices, preventing micronutrient deficiencies, ensuring good Water Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) practices as well as ensuring up-to-date immunization and optimal dietary intake.