Recovery (Cure) Rate

Recovery (cure) is one of the four core performance indicators of malnutrition treatment programs. It represents the proportion of all children discharged from the treatment program who reached the “recovery” criteria defined for the program (i.e. were successfully cured of acute malnutrition).

To calculate the indicator's value, divide the number of children discharged as “recovered” by the total number of discharged children. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage. The resulting number is the recovery rate (in percentages).

Disaggregate the data by gender, age groups and (if relevant) specific vulnerable groups, such as children from minority groups.

1) The indicator does not require a separate survey – all data can be gained from the treatment program’s regular records.

2) According to the Sphere Standards, a recovery rate of more than 75% is perceived as “acceptable”.

3) The four core performance indicators of a malnutrition treatment program (esp. the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition, CMAM) are recovery rate, death rate, default rate and non-recovery rate.

4) Recovery rate is one of ECHO's Key Outcome Indicators (see below). ECHO phrases the indicator slightly differently, as "Severe Acute Malnutrition Recovery Rate", meaning the proportion of the total number of discharged [as cured + defaulters + death] across all treatment facilities, over the period of the programme which are discharged as cured.