Malnutrition Screening

India is home to the world’s largest population of malnourished children. Anthropometric assessment — standardised as per WHO, UNICEF & RBSK–NHM — is the fastest, most accurate way to identify at-risk children at scale before irreversible harm occurs.

Prevalence

Stunting (Height-for-Age) 35.5% – Children under 5 in India are stunted — chronically undernourished, with impaired brain and body development
Wasting (Weight-for-Height)- 19.3% – Children under 5 are wasted — acutely malnourished; India has the world’s highest wasting burden
Underweight (Weight-for-Age) – 32.1% – Children under 5 are underweight, reflecting both chronic and acute malnutrition simultaneously
Global Burden ~30% – Of the world’s stunted and wasted children live in India — the highest national share globally

Cost

Malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life causes permanent cognitive impairment, stunted physical growth, and reduced lifetime earning potential. India loses an estimated 3–5% of GDP annually to malnutrition-linked productivity losses. The cost of treating severe acute malnutrition (SAM) hospitalisation is 50–100× higher than the cost of early community-level screening and nutritional intervention. UNICEF estimates every $1 invested in nutrition yields $16 in economic returns.

Solution

Anthropometric assessments — standardised by WHO Child Growth Standards, validated under UNICEF’s nutrition framework, and mandated by RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram) under the National Health Mission — are the gold standard for identifying malnutrition in children. Measuring weight, height/length, and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) classifies nutritional status instantly and guides targeted interventions before irreversible developmental harm sets in.

Why us

WHO & RBSK–NHM Standardised Anthropometric Assessment Programme

Fully standardised assessments per WHO Child Growth Standards — Weight-for-Age, Height-for-Age, Weight-for-Height & MUAC
RBSK-aligned screening protocol for 0–6 year olds, compatible with NHM reporting requirements
Instant Z-score and percentile classification — SAM, MAM, and Normal categorisation on the spot
Non-invasive, pain-free, and child-friendly — no blood draw or sample collection required
Calibrated digital equipment: infant weighing scale, stadiometer, length board, MUAC tape
Referral pathway for SAM children to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) or ICDS

Who should get Screened

All children aged 0–6 years
Infants 0–6 months (weight & length)
Children 6 months–5 years (MUAC + full anthropometry)
Children who appear visibly thin or have poor appetite
Children from low-income or food-insecure households
Children with frequent illness or recurrent infections
Children not enrolled in ICDS / Anganwadi programme

Report Types & Turnaround Time

Instant MUAC tape colour triage — SAM / MAM / Normal classification on the spot
5 min – Full anthropometric assessment — weight, height, MUAC, Z-score & percentile
Same day – Child nutrition report with WHO Z-score, classification & referral recommendation

Technology Certifications

Screening Camp

80 to 300 Children assessed per team per day: Full anthropometric assessment — weight, height/length, MUAC, Z-score classification and nutritional counselling — delivered at camp speed.

Venue Requirements

Tables & chairs as per team size
Flat, stable surface for infant weighing & length boards
Good lighting & ventilation
Standard plug points & extension cords
Private space for undressing infants for accurate measurement
Washroom nearby for team
Queue management volunteers — one parent/guardian per child

Inclusions

Trained nutrition screening team, Travel & transport of team and equipment, Calibrated digital child weighing scales & stadiometer, WHO-standard MUAC tapes (colour-coded), WHO Z-score based child nutrition report per child, ICDS / NRC referral if required

Get in Touch with Us

Send us your camp requirements & we will get in touch with you within 24 hrs.

Malnutrition Screening