© UNICEF/UNI236414/Noorani

About the course

The course has two modules 

Module 1: In this module, you will learn about the detection and management of children under five with acute malnutrition (wasting) in emergencies, and the importance of integrating early childhood development interventions in the treatment of wasting in young children.

Module 2: In this module, you will learn about administering individual treatment as well as broader programming dimensions.


Last update: 2025

Learning objectives

By the end of Module 1, you should be able to:

  • Describe how to detect acute malnutrition in children under 5 years
  • Identify relevant standards for managing acute malnutrition in emergencies 
  • Understand the components of early detection and treatment for acute malnutrition
  • Recognize the admission and discharge criteria for the treatment of acute malnutrition in children under 5 years
  • Understand the importance of early childhood development (ECD) in treatment

By the end of Module 2, you will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of communication and community engagement in Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM)
  • Recognize the principles of treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in children
  • Understand monitoring and evaluation of CMAM programming
Audience

  • UNICEF staff (including country offices, regional offices, and headquarters)
  • All actors involved in Nutrition in Emergencies, including government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector

Length

It takes about about 70 minutes to complete the course. 

Methodology

This course consists of two self-paced tutorials with interactive content and quizzes.

Structure

The course is composed of two parts:

  • Module 1: Acute Malnutrition - Part 1
    • Identification of acute malnutrition
    • Relevant standards
    • Community-Based Programming for Wasting
    • Preparedness
    • Planning for programmes
    • Admission and discharge criteria for CMAM
    • Early child development
    • Quiz
  • Module 2: Acute Malnutrition - Part 2
    • Community engagement for CMAM
    • Triage and referral
    • Management of MAM
    • Outpatient management of SAM
    • Inpatient management of SAM
    • Infants <6 months at risk of poor growth and development (inpatient and outpatient)
    • Programme delivery options
    • Supplies
    • Monitoring and reporting
    • Quiz

Contact details

For content-related questions, contact nutrition@unicef.org.

For questions about technical issues, use this support request form.