A 6-year-old child is classified as 'moderate acute malnutrition' (MAM) with MUAC 11.8 cm and weight-for-height Z-score -2.5 to -3 without edema. According to India's POSHAN 2.0 programme, which intervention is MOST appropriate?
- A Admission to Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) for inpatient treatment
- B Community-based management with supplementary nutrition and ICDS support ✓
- C Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at 175 kcal/kg/day
- D F-75 therapeutic formula followed by F-100
Correct answer: B. Community-based management with supplementary nutrition and ICDS support
Explanation
MAM without edema or medical complications is managed community-based through supplementary feeding programs (ICDS/AWC supplementary nutrition), counselling, and regular MUAC monitoring. Inpatient NRC admission is reserved for SAM (MUAC <11.5 cm, WHZ <-3, bilateral pitting edema, or medical complications). RUTF and therapeutic formula (F-75/F-100) are specifically for SAM. India's POSHAN 2.0 emphasises a continuum from community to facility care with step-down protocols.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.