Mid-upper arm circumference only protocol in Pakistan: missed opportunities for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition? A mixed-methods observational study.

Objective: We investigated the missed treatment opportunities affecting programmes using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as the sole anthropometric criterion for identification and monitoring of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Design: Alongside MUAC, we assessed weight-for-height -score (WHZ) in children screened and treated according to the national MUAC only protocol in Pakistan. Besides, we collected parents' perceptions regarding the treatment received by their children through qualitative interviews.