Cebu City – Acute malnutrition or wasting is condition where the child has low weight-for-height and is characterized by rapid weight loss or edema caused mainly by sudden change in quality and quantity of food or poor infant feeding practices. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is still a major fatal problem in children under five years old, in fact a child having SAM is 9 to 12 times more likely to die while moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is 3 to 4 times more likely to die.

Even until today different local government units in Central Visayas still face the problem of acute malnutrition. Despite this, many LGUs are still not well-equipped or prepared in the proper protocols needed in the management of acute malnutrition.

It is important that health and nutrition workers of LGUs are aware of the proper protocols in the management of acute malnutrition and that includes the essential medical treatment strategies that involve with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUSF).

RUTF is an energy dense, vitamin and mineral enriched supplemental food pack designed to treat SAM in children 6 to 59 months. RUTF does not require cooking and is safe for home consumption. According to UNICEF, RUTF is a life-saving essential supply item that treats severe wasting in children under 5 years old. RUSF on the other hand is food supplement that designed to treat MAM in children 6 – 59 months. It has similar properties to RUTF and is intended to be eaten during two to three months, as part of a nutritional program, to treat moderate acute malnutrition for children 6 months and older. Product is intended to be eaten directly from the package with no necessary dilution, mixing or cooking.

We also must be aware that these supplemental nutrition food packs are for 6 – 59 months, if the infant is under six months it is encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding, as breastmilk’s nutrients will still suffice in supporting the nutritional needs of infants at this stage. Always follow Kumainment No 2, Sa unang 6 months ni baby, breastfeeding lamang; mula 6 months, bigyan na siya ng ibang angkop na pagkain. // DMO II Gab Flores, RND