In the small riverside village of Nadi, everyone rose with the sun. Children raced barefoot along the packed-mud path to the one-room school; women balanced baskets of fish and tubers on their heads; men pushed small boats into the current and hauled in the morning catch. The village had plenty of warmth and laughter—but something quiet and worrying had begun to spread among the youngest.
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a serious nutritional disorder that occurs when the body doesn't get enough proteins and calories to function correctly. It is one of the most widespread forms of malnutrition, affecting roughly one in four children worldwide, primarily in developing nations. Core Forms of PEM Protein Energy Malnutrition Ppt
across 53 countries experience acute levels of hunger, with catastrophic impacts in regions like the Gaza Strip, Sudan, and Yemen. World Health Organization (WHO) Classification and Clinical Presentation Title: The Missing Strength In the small riverside
Infections: Diarrhea, measles, and respiratory infections can deplete nutrient stores and reduce appetite. Impaired immunity (↓ T-cells, IgA) Gut atrophy (diarrhea
Amina looks tired and weak, even after a good night's sleep. She has lost weight, and her skin appears loose and wrinkled. Her hair is thin and brittle, and her eyes are sunken. Amina's appetite is poor, and she often feels dizzy and lightheaded.
Fortunately, PEM is treatable and preventable. Amina's family can work with local healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that includes:
Assessment involves multiple parameters to determine severity [9, 29]: Anthropometry Weight-for-Age Gomez Classification Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)