Humanitarian leaders call for a transformation in acute malnutrition treatment

The IRC, along with World Vision, Save the Children, Eleanor Crook Foundation, Concern Worldwide, Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Amref Health Africa, Alliance for International Medical Action, and Action Against Hunger, endorses the statement on World Food Day. Acute malnutrition is a major global public health threat. At least 50 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition (an extreme loss of weight that impairs health), and nearly 50% of under five deaths are driven by malnutrition. Acute malnutrition has been – and remains – highly treatable and preventable. Yet, despite the existence of life-saving treatment and two decades of work to reach those in need, current strategies reach less than 20% of affected children with care.