Outpatient therapeutic program

Abstract

One strategy for treating acute malnutrition in the community is the outpatient therapeutic program (OTP), which involves the community involvement, providing children with good appetites and management of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition among children of 6–59 months old by providing them ready-to-use therapeutic food at home along with standard medical care. Approximately 85%–90% of kids with severe acute malnutrition are effectively treated at home in OTP by coming in frequently till they become well. With OTP, severe acute malnutrition management services are offered closer to the community at primary healthcare institutions, where children with simple severe acute malnutrition get varying amounts of ready-to-use therapeutic food such as Plumpy’ Nut sachets depending on their body weight. OTP are a vital component of the global effort to address malnutrition in children. These programs typically involve providing nutrient-dense therapeutic foods to children, along with regular medical checkups and counseling for caregivers on feeding practices and nutrition. Studies have shown that OTPs can lead to significant improvements in weight gain, recovery rates, and reduction in mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition. OTPs have also been found to be cost-effective and can be scaled up to reach a large number of children. OTPs can provide life-saving treatment to children suffering from SAM and help prevent the long-term consequences of malnutrition.