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Training guide for community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM)

Training guide on community-based management of acute malnutrition in children

Authors: H Deconinck; K. Cashin; J. Whelan; Concern Worldwide; Valid International; UNICEF et al.
Publisher: Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project , 2008

Full text of document

A significant gap remains between need and capacity for management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. This is despite clear advances in the development and implementation of international and national protocols for the management of SAM, as well as guidelines and training for inpatient care of severely acutely malnourished children. This training guide aims to address this gap by increasing knowledge of and building practical skills to implement Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in both emergency and non-emergency contexts.

It is designed for use by health care managers and health care providers who manage, supervise and implement CMAM. This includes health care providers who are involved in health outreach activities, as well as MOH officials at the national, regional and district levels, health and nutrition program managers of NGOs and United Nations technical staff.

For the purpose of this guide Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) is made up of four main components: community outreach, outpatient care for the management of SAM without medical complications, inpatient care for the management of SAM with medical complications, and the management of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).

The training modules include:

  • overview of community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM)
  • defining and measuring acute malnutrition
  • community outreach
  • outpatient care for the management of SAM without medical complications
  • inpatient care for the management of SAM with medical complications in the context of CMAM
  • supplementary feeding for the management of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in the context of CMAM
  • planning CMAM services at the district level
  • monitoring and reporting on CMAM

The training methods and activities used throughout the modules are practical and participatory, building on participants’ knowledge, skills and experience. In addition to the written materials and practical exercises in the classroom, some of the training modules include fieldwork in communities, health facilities, and outpatient and inpatient care sites.

(adapted from author)