Full Form of MAM

What is MAM?

Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) is a form of undernutrition characterized by moderate wasting, defined by a weight-for-height z-score between -2 and -3 standard deviations from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, or a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) between 115 mm and 125 mm in children aged 6–59 months. In India, MAM is a critical public health concern, especially among children under five years, as it increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, and impaired cognitive development. The condition is primarily caused by inadequate dietary intake, recurrent infections, and poor feeding practices. The Indian government addresses MAM through national programs such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the POSHAN Abhiyaan, which focus on nutrition counselling, supplementary nutrition, and growth monitoring. MAM is frequently assessed in community surveys and health facility screenings using MUAC tapes or anthropometric measurements. For students preparing for competitive exams like NEET-PG, AIIMS, or UPSC, knowledge of MAM is essential for understanding the spectrum of malnutrition and the public health interventions designed to combat it in the Indian context.

MAM का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reported a decline in MAM prevalence among children under five, but further efforts are needed to achieve the global nutrition targets.

MAM — frequently asked questions

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