Definition & calculation
Sum the number of individual children measured with a MUAC tape and checked for bilateral pitting oedema at community, facility or campaign screening points during the period.
Means of verification
Community screening registers, campaign tally sheets and mobile screening records
Interpretation
Direction: Higher is better
Typical reporting frequency: Monthly or quarterly
Guidance & common pitfalls
Count children screened, not screening events, to limit double-counting during repeated mass screenings; MUAC is a rapid case-finding tool and does not replace weight-for-height assessment for admission where the protocol requires it.
This library is a curated reference to adapt, aligned generically with recognised humanitarian frameworks (Sphere, cluster registries, IASC, CHS and others). It is not an official indicator registry — always use the exact indicator definitions your donor or cluster requires.
Related indicators
- Prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) among children aged 6-59 months
- % of caregivers of children in the treatment programme who report satisfaction with the nutrition services received
- % of caregivers of children under 2 who can correctly state at least two recommended IYCF practices
- % of children aged 6-23 months who received a minimum acceptable diet (MAD) in the previous 24 hours