SAM management in Nigeria: executive summary 2015

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a critical problem in Nigeria. It has been estimated that 10% of the global SAM population is found in Nigeria (approximately 2 million children), with 60 to 80% of them living in the Northern part of the country. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), between 2003 and 2008 all regions of the country experienced an increase in SAM prevalence and the absolute number of cases. In 2009, a pilot programme in Gombe and Kebbi states introduced Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), an approach that has delivered positive results worldwide in the provision of service to malnourished children from a community perspective.