Cost of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Using a Simplified or Standard Protocol in Diffa, Niger

Evidence on the cost of acute malnutrition treatment, particularly with regards to simplified approaches, is limited. The objective of this  study was to determine the cost of acute malnutrition treatment and how it is influenced by treatment protocol and programme size.

The study took place in Kabléwa and N’Guigmi, Diffa region, where children with acute malnutrition aged 6–59 months were treated either with a standard or simplified protocol, respectively. Cost data were collected from accountancy records and through key informant interviews. Programme data were extracted from health centre records. It highlighted the significant impact of programme size and coverage on treatment costs, that cost can differ significantly between neighbouring locations, and that it can be reduced by using a simplified protocol.