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Information-sharing to improve learning about community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and its impact
Insights
An information-sharing initiative for community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) has increased resource use. Further innovation is needed to enhance access and application of crucial guidance for child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Malnutrition Management
Background:
- Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) impacts 19 million children globally each year.
- Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) services, established in 2000, are implemented in over 60 countries.
- There is a recognized need to strengthen CMAM service coverage, quality, and stakeholder information exchange.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail an initiative focused on improving information sharing for scaling up quality CMAM services.
- The initiative aimed to consolidate technical guidance, evidence, and learning resources.
Main Methods:
- Website monitoring, country case studies, and user surveys were employed.
- These methods assessed CMAM Forum user demographics, information reach, and impact on health outcomes.
Main Results:
- A consistent rise in the availability and utilization of information products and services was observed.
- Case studies revealed opportunities to tailor information to local needs in managing acute malnutrition.
- Identified needs include more resources in French and Arabic, and increased use of multimedia and social media.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced information sharing positively influences health outcomes in CMAM programs.
- Continued innovation and support are essential to improve information accessibility and application for better child health.
Background:
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects 19 million children worldwide annually. The community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) approach was first piloted in 2000. Endorsed by the United Nations in 2007, the approach has been introduced in over 60 countries. Current coverage and quality of services need further strengthening and key stakeholders have expressed the need for improved information-sharing.
Objective:
To report on an information-sharing initiative that was established to support scale-up of quality services for CMAM by collecting existing technical guidance, evidence, and learning.
Methods:
Routine website monitoring, country case studies, and surveys were used to assess the profiles of CMAM Forum users and the reach and use of information for improved health outcomes.
Results:
The number of information products and services and their use have steadily increased. Country case studies have identified ways to adapt information better to the needs of those involved in managing acute malnutrition, particularly at the country level. An urgent need has been identified for more resources in additional languages, especially French and Arabic, and expanded production and use of audiovisual material and social media.
Conclusions:
Improved information-sharing can have an impact on health outcomes, but further innovation and support are needed to improve access to, and use of, the information.
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