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Global Trends 2025
Jun 11, 2026
Key statistics on the global numbers of refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people and stateless people, as well as their main host countries and countries of origin.
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Full name
Acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age, by level of malnutrition
Short name
Acute malnutrition among children under 5
Code
AcuteMalnutrition
Aliases
Wasting, GAM, SAM, MAM
Definition
Global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalence is the proportion of children aged 6–59 months with a weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) < -2 standard deviations from the median of the 2006 WHO Child Growth Standards and/or bilateral pitting oedema. Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is defined as WHZ ≥ -3 and < -2 standard deviations without bilateral pitting oedema; severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is defined as WHZ < -3 standard deviations or bilateral pitting oedema. GAM comprises MAM and SAM.
This indicator is comparable against SDG indicator 2.2.2b on the proportion of children who are moderately or severely wasted (https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/files/Metadata-02-02-02b.pdf).
Rationale
This indicator is used to measure nutrition status at population level and as an indicator of the severity of an emergency situation. Wasting is characterised by rapid weight loss, usually the result of a recent shock, such as lack of calories and nutrients, and/or illness. It undermines child growth and development and is strongly linked to higher rates of mortality. A child who is severely wasted is 9 times more likely to die than a child who is not wasted. If 10% or more of children are classified as suffering from GAM, this is generally considered to be a serious emergency, and with over 15% the emergency is considered critical.
Method of computation
Numerator: Number of children aged 0-59 months who are acutely malnourished
Denominator: Total number of children aged 0-59 months who were measured with a valid measurement.
Comparability
International definition and standards
Relationships
| Framework | Indicator | Comparability |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainible Development Goals Indicators | Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age, by type (wasting and overweight) | Comparable |
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Quality assurance
Quality assurance follows the practices of the survey from which the data is collected. For data collected through UNHCR's Standardized Expanded Nutrition Surveys (SENS), see quality assurance information on the SENS website (https://www.unhcr.org/sens/).
Data sources
Household surveys such as UNHCR Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) and UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)
Cameroon: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2015
Code
UNHCR_CMR_2015_SENS
Time period
2015
Coverage
Cameroon
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_TCD_2019_SENS; UNHCR_TCD_2018_SENS; UNHCR_TCD_2017_SENS
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2019_SENS; UNHCR_TCD_2018_SENS; UNHCR_TCD_2017_SENS
Bangladesh: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - Rohingya Refugee Response Cox's Bazar - 2022
Code
UNHCR_BGD_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Bangladesh
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Djibouti: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in Ali Addeh, Holl-Holl and Markazi Refugee Sites - 2023
Code
UNHCR_DJI_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
Djibouti
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Zambia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_ZMB_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Zambia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Mauritania: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
GOVT_MRT_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Mauritania
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_NGA_2024_SENS; UNHCR_NGA_2023_SENS
Code
UNHCR_NGA_2024_SENS; UNHCR_NGA_2023_SENS
Chad: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2024
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2024_SENS
Time period
2024
Coverage
Chad
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2023
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Chad: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2017
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2017_SENS
Time period
2017
Coverage
Chad
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nigeria: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - Taraba State - 2023
Code
UNHCR_NGA_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
Nigeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
United Rep. of Tanzania: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_TZA_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
United Republic of Tanzania
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Kenya: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_KEN_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Kenya
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_SDN_2018_SENS; UNHCR_SDN_2019_SENS
Code
UNHCR_SDN_2018_SENS; UNHCR_SDN_2019_SENS
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Republic of the Congo: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_COG_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Congo
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Burkina Faso: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2017
Code
UNHCR_BFA_2017_SENS
Time period
2017
Coverage
Burkina Faso
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
South Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
South Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2025_SENS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Zimbabwe: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_ZWE_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Zimbabwe
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_SDN_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_SDN_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Uganda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2023
Code
UNHCR_UGA_2023_FSNA
Time period
2023
Coverage
Uganda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Rwanda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in Gihembe, Kigeme, Kiziba, Mugombwa, Nyabiheke & Mahama refugee camps - 2021
Code
UNHCR_RWA_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Rwanda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_KEN_2018_SENS; UNHCR_KEN_2019_SENS
Code
UNHCR_KEN_2018_SENS; UNHCR_KEN_2019_SENS
Nigeria: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2024
Code
UNHCR_NGA_2024_SENS
Time period
2024
Coverage
Nigeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in White Nile State - 2022
Code
UNHCR_SDN_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Algeria: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_DZA_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Algeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Niger: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_NER_2025_SENS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Niger
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Cameroon: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2016
Code
UNHCR_CMR_2016_SENS
Time period
2016
Coverage
Cameroon
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Uganda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2017
Code
UNHCR_UGA_2017_FSNA
Time period
2017
Coverage
Uganda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Malawi: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2016
Code
UNHCR_MWI_2016_SENS
Time period
2016
Coverage
Malawi
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Rwanda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_RWA_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Rwanda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
United Rep. of Tanzania: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in Kigoma Refugee Camps - 2021
Code
UNHCR_TZA_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
United Republic of Tanzania
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_CMR_2015_SENS; UNHCR_CMR_2016_SENS
Code
UNHCR_CMR_2015_SENS; UNHCR_CMR_2016_SENS
Cameroon: Forced Displacement Survey - 2024
Code
UNHCR_CMR_2024_FDS
Time period
2024
Coverage
Cameroon
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Gov't. of Cameroon
Footnotes
Report is forthcoming.
South Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in settlements in Ajuong Thok, Pamir, Gorom, Makpandu, Doro, Yusuf Batil, Gendrassa and Kaya - 2021
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
South Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Burundi: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2017
Code
UNHCR_BDI_2017_SENS
Time period
2017
Coverage
Burundi
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Algeria: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_DZA_2025_SENS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Algeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Cameroon: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2022
Code
UNHCR_CMR_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Cameroon
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nigeria: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_NGA_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Nigeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Bangladesh: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2020
Code
UNHCR_BGD_2020_SENS
Time period
2020
Coverage
Bangladesh
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Algeria: Nutrition Survey - Sahrawi Refugee Camps - 2022
Code
UNHCR_DZA_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Algeria
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Ethiopia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2022
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Ethiopia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Pakistan: Forced displacement survey (FDS) - 2024
Code
UNHCR_PAK_2024_FDS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Pakistan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Djibouti: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
GOVT_DJI_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Djibouti
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Rep. of the Congo: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_COG_2025_SENS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Congo
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Zimbabwe: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2024
Code
UNHCR_ZWE_2024_SENS
Time period
2024
Coverage
Zimbabwe
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Niger: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_NER_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Niger
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Malawi: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - Dzaleka and the Host Community - 2022
Code
UNHCR_MWI_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
Malawi
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Chad: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Chad
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Niger: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_NER_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Niger
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Chad: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Chad
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_SSD_2023_SENS; UNHCR_SSD_2024_SENS
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2023_SENS; UNHCR_SSD_2024_SENS
Lebanon: Integrated Micronutrient Anthropometry and Child Development Survey (LIMA) - 2023-2024
Code
GOVT_LBN_2023_LIMA
Time period
2023
Coverage
Lebanon
Kind of data
Probability survey
Dem. Rep. of the Congo: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2019
Code
UNHCR_COD_2019_SENS
Time period
2019
Coverage
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Georgia: Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) - 2018
Code
UNICEF_GEO_2018_MICS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Georgia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations Children's Fund
Bangladesh: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_BGD_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Bangladesh
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Uganda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2020
Code
UNHCR_UGA_2020_FSNA
Time period
2020
Coverage
Uganda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR_ETH_2019_SENS; UNHCR_ETH_2018_SENS
Code
UNHCR_ETH_2019_SENS; UNHCR_ETH_2018_SENS
South Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2024
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2024_SENS
Time period
2024
Coverage
South Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Zambia: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2017
Code
UNHCR_ZMB_2017_SENS
Time period
2017
Coverage
Zambia
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Rwanda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in Kigeme, Kiziba, Mugombwa, Nyabiheke & Mahama refugee camps - 2023
Code
UNHCR_RWA_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
Rwanda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
South Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in settlements in Pamir, Ajuongthok, Gorom and Makpandu- 2023
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
South Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Bangladesh: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - Rohingya Refugee Response Cox's Bazar - 2024
Code
UNHCR_BGD_2024_SENS
Time period
2024
Coverage
Bangladesh
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Chad: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_TCD_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Chad
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Malawi: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_MWI_2025_SENS
Time period
2025
Coverage
Malawi
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
United Rep. of Tanzania: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) in Kigoma Refugee Camps - 2023
Code
UNHCR_TZA_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
United Republic of Tanzania
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Mozambique: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2015
Code
UNHCR_MOZ_2015_SENS
Time period
2015
Coverage
Mozambique
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Zambia: Forced Displacement Survey - 2025
Code
UNHCR_ZMB_2025_FDS
Time period
2025
Kind of data
Probability survey
Footnotes
The strata on others of concern (OOC) are former refugeesfrom Angola and Rwanda who have lost their refugee protections, however, remain in Zambia and are at risk of statelessness.
Uganda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2025
Code
UNHCR_UGA_2025_FSNA
Time period
2025
Coverage
Uganda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Kenya: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_KEN_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Kenya
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
South Sudan: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2022
Code
UNHCR_SSD_2022_SENS
Time period
2022
Coverage
South Sudan
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Iraq: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2015
Code
UNHCR_IRQ_2015_SENS
Time period
2015
Coverage
Iraq
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nepal: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2018
Code
UNHCR_NPL_2018_SENS
Time period
2018
Coverage
Nepal
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Kenya: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2021
Code
UNHCR_KEN_2021_SENS
Time period
2021
Coverage
Kenya
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Bangladesh: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - Bhasan Char Island & Cox's Bazar Refugee Camps - 2023
Code
UNHCR_BGD_2023_SENS
Time period
2023
Coverage
Bangladesh
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Uganda: Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2022
Code
UNHCR_UGA_2022_FSNA
Time period
2022
Coverage
Uganda
Kind of data
Probability survey
Producers
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
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