title: Development and implementation of a locally produced ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in Vietnam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Vietnam, malnutrition remains a public health problem, even though much progress has been made in the last decades. The number of cases of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is more than 200,000 per year. To accelerate the treatment of SAM, community-based treatment with ready-to-use-therapeutic foods (RUTFs) is preferred. However, a locally available and acceptable RUTF for the treatment of SAM was lacking.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In a joint effort by the National Institute of Nutrition, UNICEF, and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, a local RUTF was developed and tested.
  
  
  METHODS
  The product was optimalized for impact and acceptability. At the same time, capacity for the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) was developed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The local product was found to be highly acceptable and effective. After training of health staff the product could be introduced in the IMAM program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The IMAM program was highly successful in treating children with SAM, with more than 90% of the children recovering. Production capacity of the factory is currently being increased to enable up-scaling of the IMAM program and potential export of the product to countries in the region.
authors: Huynh
authors: H
authors: Phuong
authors: Tran Thuy
authors: TT
authors: Nga
authors: Roger
authors: R
authors: Mathisen
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Nguyen
authors: Le Thi
authors: le T
authors: Hop
authors: Do Thi Bao
authors: do TB
authors: Hoa
authors: Hong Nguyen
authors: HN
authors: Minh
authors: Le Danh
authors: le D
authors: Tuyen
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Berger
authors: Frank Tammo
authors: FT
authors: Wieringa
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D057140:Fast Foods; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007390:International Agencies; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000628:therapy*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014744:Vietnam