Malnutrition remains a major public health issue in developing countries, particularly in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by deficiencies in macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) and micronutrients (electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins), leading to protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions are exacerbated by high prevalence of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle. Severe malnutrition, characterized by wasting and edema, is most common in children and is associated with early weaning, poor diet, and frequent infections. Protein-energy malnutrition is diagnosed using anthropometric measurements, while micronutrient deficiencies are often identified through laboratory tests. The main forms of malnutrition include marasmus (severe wasting), marasmic kwashiorkor (severe wasting with edema), and kwashiorkor (malnutrition with edema). These conditions are linked to poor nutrition, infections, and other health issues. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc, are also prevalent and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, iodine deficiency causes goiter and brain damage, vitamin A deficiency affects vision and immunity, and zinc deficiency impairs growth and immune function. Management of malnutrition involves a combination of dietary interventions, supplementation, and education. Effective strategies include promoting breastfeeding, food diversification, and micronutrient fortification. For severe cases, a complex treatment plan is necessary, including careful monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance, and the use of specialized rehydration solutions. Prevention efforts focus on improving nutrition, reducing poverty, and enhancing access to healthcare and education. Addressing malnutrition requires a multifaceted approach, including improving food security, sanitation, and health services, as well as promoting nutrition education and community-based interventions.Malnutrition remains a major public health issue in developing countries, particularly in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by deficiencies in macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) and micronutrients (electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins), leading to protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions are exacerbated by high prevalence of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle. Severe malnutrition, characterized by wasting and edema, is most common in children and is associated with early weaning, poor diet, and frequent infections. Protein-energy malnutrition is diagnosed using anthropometric measurements, while micronutrient deficiencies are often identified through laboratory tests. The main forms of malnutrition include marasmus (severe wasting), marasmic kwashiorkor (severe wasting with edema), and kwashiorkor (malnutrition with edema). These conditions are linked to poor nutrition, infections, and other health issues. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc, are also prevalent and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, iodine deficiency causes goiter and brain damage, vitamin A deficiency affects vision and immunity, and zinc deficiency impairs growth and immune function. Management of malnutrition involves a combination of dietary interventions, supplementation, and education. Effective strategies include promoting breastfeeding, food diversification, and micronutrient fortification. For severe cases, a complex treatment plan is necessary, including careful monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance, and the use of specialized rehydration solutions. Prevention efforts focus on improving nutrition, reducing poverty, and enhancing access to healthcare and education. Addressing malnutrition requires a multifaceted approach, including improving food security, sanitation, and health services, as well as promoting nutrition education and community-based interventions.