Acute malnutrition is characterized by rapid decreases in the quantity of food consumed or the quality of the diet, and it is frequently accompanied by pathogenic reasons. There are a number of different ways that acute malnutrition has been characterized, and it has also been referred to by a number of different names, some of which have meanings that partially overlap with one another. These names include protein-energy malnutrition, wasting, kwashiorkor, and marasmus. Both acute malnutrition and wasting are terms that are used interchangeably throughout this chapter. SAM has been overlooked by child survival programs, and the World Health Organization does not recognize the phrase "acute malnutrition." This is despite the fact that SAM is of worldwide importance. Inpatient treatment involves a significant amount of resources and a large number of staff members who are both skilled and motivated. In areas where SAM is prevalent, the number of cases exceeds the available inpatient capacity, which restricts the effectiveness of treatment; the case-fatality rate occurs between 20 and 30 percent, and coverage is typically less than 10 percent. The rates of case fatalities are significantly reduced and coverage rates are increased by the implementation of community-based rehabilitative care programs. These programs make use of therapeutic foods that are brand new and ready to be used. They are intended to expand access to services, decrease opportunity costs, encourage early presentation and compliance, and ultimately increase coverage and recovery rates. In this particular context, the department plays a very important role in the management of malnourished children, along with family physicians and nurses.