Mortality among Malnourished Children Admitted to the Intensive Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENI) of the Fana Reference Health Centre

Abstract

A cross-sectional study with two collection techniques, a retrospective collection involving 347 files and a cross-sectional collection by face-to-face mode interview of the mothers of the 9 children who died during the collection period and part of the nursing staff. It aimed to assess mortality among malnourished children aged 6-59 months and to contribute to the improvement of their health status. The mortality rate among the malnourished is relatively low 3.69%. Malaria was frequently associated with malnutrition: 53.65%. Hypovolaemic and septic shock were the most common causes of death with 46.15 and 38.46%. In view of these results, emphasis should be placed on early referral of children with complications and also on vaccination campaigns, awareness-raising on exclusive breastfeeding and dietary diversification. In Mali in general and in Fana in particular, malnutrition remains a huge health problem in children aged 6-59 months.