How healthy are children one year after discharge from nutritional rehabilitation centres?

Nutritional rehabilitation centres (NRCs) have been established to ensure the nutritional recovery of severely malnourished children. The long-term nutritional outcomes in children discharged from NRCs have not been described. In this retrospective cohort study, the nutritional status of 514 children was assessed one year after discharge. Household and maternal data, as well as data regarding variables related to the children's stay at the NRC, were collected. A total of 33.4% had moderate malnutrition and 11.7% had severe malnutrition. The mean weight for height Z-score at admission, discharge and one year after discharge were -3.61, -1.90 and -2.34, respectively. Thus, long-term monitoring and follow-up of children discharged from NRCs till they achieve normal nutritional status is mandatory.