Improving malnutrition care across Aotearoa New Zealand

Malnutrition Care Aotearoa New Zealand (MCANZ) brings together experts from across the health sector to improve malnutrition care through collaboration, evidence, education and advocacy.

Despite the significant impact of malnutrition on health outcomes, Aotearoa New Zealand has lacked a coordinated national approach to identifying, assessing and managing malnutrition. Variation in practice, limited national data, and inequities in care highlight the need for a consistent, evidence-based approach.

Malnutrition is both a cause and consequence of poor health. It delays healing and recovery, increases the risk of hospitalisation, contributes to longer hospital stays and increases the likelihood of hospital re-admission or admission to aged residential care. As a result, malnutrition places additional financial and service pressure on the healthcare system.