Effectiveness of an Alternative Protocol in the Management of Acute Malnutrition

1. MAM Inclusion Criteria: * Anthropometric measures: * (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs) OR * (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and WLZ ≥ -2 SDs) OR * (MUAC ≥ 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs). * Age: 6 to 59 months * Parents' acceptance of biweekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up Exclusion Criteria: * Failure of appetite test * Medical complications requiring hospital treatment * Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection * Presence of bilateral oedema * History of allergies to peanuts, milk, or soya * Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment * Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme; * Residence outside the study area * Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.) 2. SAM Inclusion Criteria: * Anthropometric measures MUAC\< 115 mm or WLZ\< - 3 SDs; * Age: 6-59 months; * Parents' acceptance of weekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up. Exclusion Criteria: * Failure of appetite test * Medical complications requiring hospital treatment * Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection * Presence of bilateral oedema * History of allergies to peanuts, milk or soya * Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment * Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme; * Residence outside the study area; * Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.)