The fight against severe malnutrition, especially in children under five, got a significant boost from a small sachet of fortified peanut paste. This simple yet powerful product, called Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), has been saving lives for 30 years. Despite the progress, over 12 million children worldwide are still suffering from severe wasting, a condition that drastically weakens their immune systems.
RUTF was first introduced in 1996 and revolutionized how we treat malnutrition. Instead of needing hospitalization, children can be treated at home. This not only cuts costs for families but also helps prevent further infections.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, highlights the impact of RUTF, saying, “This small but powerful sachet fundamentally changed how we treat children with severe malnutrition. It has put life-saving treatment in the hands of families.” She emphasizes that no child should suffer from malnutrition in a world that produces enough food for all.
Here are some eye-opening facts about RUTF:
- Children with severe wasting are at a much higher risk of death, 12 times more than their well-nourished peers.
- Presently, 42.8 million children are affected by wasting, with 12.2 million experiencing severe forms.
- RUTF has nearly a 90% recovery rate for severe acute malnutrition cases.
- In 2025 alone, UNICEF screened 255 million children and treated over 9 million for wasting.
- This therapeutic food contains peanuts, skim milk powder, oil, sugar, and essential vitamins. A 92g sachet provides 500 calories, aiding weight gain and immunity.
- RUTF’s thick, oil-based preparation has no water, making it safe from bacterial growth and eliminating the need for refrigeration. It lasts for 24 months.
- RUTF is the only outpatient treatment for child wasting endorsed by the WHO.
- Between 2003 and 2025, UNICEF procured around 8.7 billion sachets, greatly aiding recovery for countless children.
- In 2023, they set a record by delivering nearly 1.1 billion sachets amid the global nutrition crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ethiopia received the highest volume of these sachets, with about 1.6 billion delivered from 2003 to 2025, helping over 500,000 children annually.
- A box of RUTF, containing 150 sachets, can treat a child for 6-8 weeks when paired with follow-up care.
- Local manufacturing plays a crucial role in rapid responses to nutrition crises, especially as global supply chains face disruptions.
As we celebrate three decades of RUTF, it is clear that innovation and community efforts can change lives. This battle against malnutrition is ongoing, and continued awareness and investment in solutions like RUTF are essential. Organizations and experts alike are rallying for comprehensive nutrition strategies to ensure all children have access to lifesaving treatments.
For more information on UNICEF’s efforts and resources, visit the [UNICEF website](https://www.unicef.org).
