Maradi

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a microbiome-directed food compared to standard nutritional therapy for children aged 6 to less than 24 months with uncomplicated acute malnutrition. The study focuses on children with either severe or moderate acute malnutrition and aims to measure recovery at 12 weeks and sustained recovery at 24 weeks after admission. Children in the study receive different nutritional supplements depending on their condition. For severe acute malnutrition, children receive microbiome-directed food (MDF) weekly at health centers until they recover, while those with moderate acute malnutrition get MDF biweekly. All children receive ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) weekly, and ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) is given biweekly until programmatic recovery is achieved. Participants are closely monitored throughout the study period, with researchers assessing programmatic recovery by 12 weeks and sustained recovery by 24 weeks after admission. The study includes regular visits to health centers where nutritional supplements are provided and adherence is tracked. Caregivers give informed consent, and children's growth and nutritional status are carefully evaluated to determine the impact of the interventions.