Coverage of MUAC Screening

Output

% of children aged 6–59 months screened using MUAC during the specified period

The indicator measures the proportion of children aged 6–59 months in the defined target population who were screened using MUAC at least once during a specified period. It measures the reach of MUAC screening, not the prevalence of wasting or nutritional oedema. Higher screening coverage increases opportunities to identify and refer children with low MUAC, but the indicator does not show whether screening was performed correctly, whether referrals were completed or whether eligible children received treatment.

Determine the indicator's value by using the following methodology:

 

1) Define the reference period and geographic area. From the screening records, count the number of unique children aged 6–59 months in that area who were screened using MUAC at least once during the period. If the same child was screened more than once, count the child only once for this coverage indicator.

  

2) Divide this number by the best available estimate of the total number of children aged 6–59 months living in the same geographic area during the same period. Multiply the result by 100 to express it as a percentage.

  

3) Report the result as the percentage of children aged 6–59 months screened using MUAC during the specified period. Report it together with the reference period and geographic area.

This data can be disaggregated by sex and age group, and, if relevant and feasible, also by geographic area and other population groups relevant to equitable screening reach. For each group, calculate coverage using the total number of children in that same group. For example, coverage among girls should use the total number of girls aged 6–59 months.

1) Use this indicator only if:

• you have a reasonably reliable and up-to-date estimate of the number of children aged 6–59 months living in the area where your screening system operates;

• the screening is done within a clearly defined period and the number reported represents individual children screened, with a low risk of the same child being counted more than once;

• you have reasonable confidence in the quality of the data reported by the people conducting the screening, based on appropriate routine data-quality checks.

Otherwise, you are likely to get unreliable data.

 

2) Ensure that people conducting MUAC screening are trained and supported according to the programme or national protocol. Depending on the screening approach, this may include community health workers, volunteers, trained caregivers or other community members.

    

3) The indicator requires reliable identification of whether a child is aged 6–59 months. Exact age in months is not required once eligibility for this age range has been established, unless age disaggregation is planned. Whenever possible, use a birth certificate, vaccination card or another reliable record. Where these are unavailable or uncertain, a locally adapted events calendar can help estimate the child’s age (see FAO guidance below).

4) This indicator records MUAC screening only. WHO recommends that children aged 6–59 months in community settings also be examined for bilateral pitting oedema when identifying severe wasting and/or nutritional oedema. Do not interpret MUAC screening coverage as coverage of the complete identification protocol unless oedema assessment is also included and documented.

5) Screening coverage is dependent on the reference period. Use a period that corresponds to the programme’s intended screening cycle and report it with the result. Do not directly compare coverage percentages calculated over materially different reference periods.

Also consider using the following indicators:

• Prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition Based on MUAC (measures the nutritional condition in the population that screening coverage itself does not measure)

• Referrals’ Effectiveness (assesses whether children referred through screening subsequently reach treatment services)

• Coverage of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Services (shows whether children who need treatment are actually being reached by treatment services)