Plumpy’nut, manufactured by Nutriset, is a brand of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) that plays a critical role in combating severe malnutrition in children. This innovative product offers immense value to charities and NGOs that fight against extreme hunger on a global scale.
According to Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera, Head of Nutrition at Action Against Hunger, Plumpy’nut is a paste enriched with healthy fats and protein, capable of lasting for years without the need for clean water or refrigeration. She describes it as simple to use yet highly effective. However, Nutriset did not provide a comment on this matter.
The advantages of Plumpy’nut are evident. It is easy to prepare and store, making it accessible for distribution. Moreover, it contains vital nutrients required to alleviate extreme hunger.
Rutishauser-Perera emphasizes that RUTF is nutrient-rich due to its high concentrations of protein and energy. Made from ingredients such as peanuts, milk, oil, and various vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients, RUTF requires no preparation or water and does not spoil. Consequently, children no longer need extended hospital stays for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. Instead, parents and caregivers can take their child to a health clinic, which may be closer and more accessible, every two weeks for treatment. Additionally, community health workers are being utilized by organizations like Action Against Hunger to reach remote areas where hunger-stricken communities have limited access to health centers. This approach has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of RUTF.
Plumpy’nut’s cost-effectiveness is one of its primary benefits, although it has been impacted by rising food prices. Rutishauser-Perera explains that global inflation, driven by the war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the pandemic, has resulted in increased ingredient prices and supply chain challenges. This poses difficulties for new manufacturers looking to produce RUTF at a more cost-effective rate. Currently, there are 22 UN-approved RUTF manufacturers worldwide.
Possible solutions to improve the cost-effectiveness of RUTF include addressing supply chain issues and reducing the amount of product required for treatment through early identification and preventative measures. Local production has been attempted in the past; however, it had little impact on cost due to the need to import ingredients and high overhead expenses. Therefore, successful RUTF production relies heavily on integration into the global supply chain.
While hunger is a growing concern globally, the horn of Africa is currently facing the highest prevalence. Rutishauser-Perera notes that RUTF has been instrumental in addressing hunger in East Africa, particularly during crises such as drought-induced famine in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Action Against Hunger, operating across 70 countries, plays a crucial role in distributing RUTF. Their innovative approach includes using community health workers to provide basic health services and distribute RUTF to individuals who are unable to access health centers. Trial projects in Mali and Pakistan have shown that this method significantly improves coverage and enhances the cost-effectiveness of malnutrition treatment.
In summary, Plumpy’nut is a groundbreaking RUTF manufactured by Nutriset and indispensable in the fight against severe malnutrition. Its easy preparation, nutrient-rich composition, and accessibility make it a vital resource for organizations combating extreme hunger worldwide. RUTF’s cost-effectiveness faces challenges due to rising food prices, but there are potential solutions to improve efficiency and reduce production costs. Action Against Hunger’s distribution system, which includes the use of community health workers, has contributed to enhanced coverage and cost-effectiveness.