Phyllis Waruguru
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a major global health concern, particularly affecting children under the age of five. SAM is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity, making effective treatment essential. Outpatient Therapeutic Programs (OTPs) have been widely used as a community-based approach to treating SAM in low-resource settings, offering Ready-to-use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and medical care to affected children. However, the success of OTPs can be influenced by various factors, including the child's age and nutritional status, the caregiver's education and socioeconomic status and the quality of care provided. Understanding these factors and how they impact treatment outcomes is crucial for improving the effectiveness of OTPs and reducing the burden of SAM in under-fives.