This paper investigates the long- and short-term determinants of child nutritional status in the Malawian district of Salima. Based on monthly data from July 2004 to June 2012, the study applies the capability approach to the analysis of the impact on child nutritional status of a set of indicators representative of household food security, maternal and child care, access to and coverage of health services and health environment conditions. Two models are estimated by OLS in order to compare results based on historical series and their trend-cycle, seasonal and irregular components. Findings suggest to consider the relative response of child nutritional status to food and health in policy making, the importance of efficient and effective coordination mechanisms among stakeholders, the need for a multidimensional food security indicator, the relevance of seasonal events and climatic shocks, and the urgency to arrest the long-term cycle of food insecurity and malnutrition.