The detection of children with SAM was ensured in the communities by frontline workers in the context of monthly growth monitoring and promotion sessions. Once at the NRC the age, weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and presence of bilateral pitting edema were determined for each child. SAM was defined as per WHO recommendations by the presence of bilateral pitting edema or the presence of severe wasting. Severe wasting was defined by a MUAC below 115 mm and/or a weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) < - 3 of the median WHZ in WHO Child Growth Standards. All children 6-59 months with bilateral pitting edema, and/or WHZ < - 3 and/or MUAC < 115 mm were admitted to the NRC.