A nutritional recovery centre at Maradi Regional Hospital in Niger has significantly improved outcomes for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with support from the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following the implementation of the WHO 2023 guidelines, staff training, improved equipment and a reorganization of patient care, the centre’s recovery rate increased from 52.3% to 90.9% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

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Faster Assessment and Treatment

The centre introduced a dedicated paediatric emergency unit and admissions room to ensure children receive rapid assessment and treatment. Every child now undergoes a comprehensive nutritional assessment, including weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference measurements.

Children in critical condition are stabilized before being transferred to the nutritional recovery centre. Treatment protocols have also been updated, while infection management and the preparation and storage of therapeutic milk have been strengthened.

Improved Health Outcomes

The changes have resulted in significant improvements. The mortality rate fell from 11.9% to 4.8%, while the dropout rate decreased from 14.4% to 2.6%.

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The centre has also adopted a broader approach to child health. Vaccination status is checked when children are admitted, with catch-up vaccinations provided where necessary.

The experience at Maradi Regional Hospital demonstrates how improved infrastructure, trained healthcare teams and evidence-based treatment protocols can strengthen care for children with severe acute malnutrition. The model could help inform efforts to improve nutritional care in other health facilities across Niger.