Training: Report: IMAM
Training: Report: IMAM
Training Dates: 23 to 26 September 2025
Beletwayne: SHF (Somalia Humanitarian Fund)
Project Code: CBPF-SOM-25-S-NGO-36466
Program Area: Region: Hiran District: Beletwyne
Introduction
From 23 to 26 September 2025, a four-day Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) training was conducted in Beletweyne District, Hiran Region, Somalia. The training was supported by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) under project code CBPF-SOM-25-S-NGO-36466 and implemented by the Somali Helping Hands Association (SOHHA).
The training targeted 8 Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselors and 16 Community Health Workers (CHWs) operating across outreach sites and one fixed site in rural areas of the district. The primary objective was to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills in the prevention, identification, and management of acute malnutrition, including accurate Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening and timely, appropriate referral of identified cases.
Additionally, the training covered key components of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) management in line with national IMAM guidelines and highlighted the essential role of community members in early detection, prevention, and referral of malnutrition cases. This intervention aimed to strengthen community-based nutrition services and improve access to life-saving care for vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas of Beletweyne Distric
Training Objectives
The overall objective of the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) training was to strengthen the capacity of 8Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselors and 16 Community Health Workers (CHWs) to effectively prevent, identify, and manage acute malnutrition at community level. Specifically, the training aimed to:
- Strengthen MUAC Screening Capacity:
To equip IYCF counselors and CHWs with the knowledge and practical skills to accurately conduct Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening among children, enabling early detection of malnutrition at household and community levels. - Enhance Referral of Malnutrition Cases:
To ensure participants are able to correctly classify cases of moderate and severe acute malnutrition and facilitate timely and appropriate referral to relevant nutrition programs, including OTP, TSFP, and stabilization services, in accordance with national IMAM guidelines. - Improve Understanding of SAM Management:
To enhance participants’ understanding of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) management, including appropriate nutritional support, counseling of caregivers, and follow-up of children enrolled in treatment to support recovery and prevent relapse. - Promote Community-Based Malnutrition Detection and Prevention:
To strengthen community involvement in early identification and prevention of malnutrition by integrating MUAC screening and nutrition surveillance into routine community activities, thereby reinforcing a sustainable, community-based IMAM approach.
Training Methodology
The Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) training adopted a participatory and learner-centered approach, combining theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on sessions to enhance knowledge retention and practical application among Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselors and Community Health Workers (CHWs). The methodology was designed to strengthen both technical competencies and community engagement skills. Key training methods included:
- Interactive Lectures:
Structured presentations were delivered to introduce IMAM concepts, including the use of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as a key tool for identifying acute malnutrition and its critical role in community-based nutrition programming. - Demonstrations and Practical Sessions:
Participants engaged in hands-on practical exercises on accurate MUAC measurement, classification of nutritional status based on MUAC thresholds, and identification of Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition. Emphasis was placed on enabling IYCF counselors and CHWs to effectively demonstrate MUAC measurement techniques and support caregivers, particularly mothers, to conduct screening independently. - Role-Plays and Case Studies:
Simulated scenarios and case studies were used to strengthen participants’ skills in real-life situations, including community-based identification of malnutrition, caregiver counseling, and referral of cases to appropriate nutrition services in line with IMAM referral pathways. - Group Discussions and Community Engagement Sessions:
Facilitated discussions allowed participants to identify and address local challenges related to malnutrition screening, referral, and follow-up, while reinforcing the importance of early detection and timely intervention to prevent malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality.
MAM Training Agenda
Day 1: Introduction to Acute Malnutrition and MUAC Screening
- Overview of acute malnutrition, including its causes, consequences, and impact on child health and survival.
- Introduction to Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and the role of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) in early identification of malnutrition at community level.
- Practical demonstration and hands-on session on accurate MUAC measurement, including correct positioning, measurement techniques, and classification of nutritional status (normal, Moderate Acute Malnutrition, and Severe Acute Malnutrition).
Day 2: Community-Based MUAC Screening and Caregiver Engagement
- Strategies for empowering CHW, particularly IYCF, to independently assess the nutritional status of their children using MUAC tapes.
- Supervised practical sessions on MUAC measurement and interpretation, focusing on effective caregiver instruction and supportive supervision by IYCF counselors and CHWs.
- Group discussions on the importance of early detection, prompt referral, and continuous follow-up of children identified with acute malnutrition.
Day 3: Referral Pathways and Management of Acute Malnutrition
- Orientation on referral mechanisms and pathways for children identified with Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition, including linkage to Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP), Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP), and Stabilization Centers (SC).
- Introduction to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), including clinical signs, MUAC thresholds, and admission criteria in line with national IMAM guidelines.
- Overview of SAM management, including the use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), routine medical treatment, and follow-up care.
- Community-based management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), including counseling and use of fortified supplementary foods.
Day 4: Strengthening Community Support and Sustainability
- Promoting a community-based approach to MUAC screening through peer support, community mobilization, and engagement of community leaders.
- Identification of barriers to screening, referral, and treatment adherence, and development of practical solutions to address these challenges.
- Integration of IMAM activities with Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices to strengthen prevention and recovery.
- Final review, practical assessment, and feedback session to ensure participants’ confidence and competency in MUAC screening, case classification, and referral.
Conclusion
- The Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) training, implemented by the Somali Helping Hands Association (SOHHA) with support from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF), was successfully conducted in Beletweyne District and achieved its intended objectives. The training significantly strengthened the technical capacity of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselors and Community Health Workers (CHWs) to prevent, identify, and manage acute malnutrition at community level.
- Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical sessions, participants enhanced their skills in accurate MUAC screening, classification of Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition, and timely referral of cases to appropriate nutrition services, including OTP, TSFP, and Stabilization Centers. The training also improved participants’ understanding of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) management in line with national IMAM guidelines.
- By reinforcing a community-based IMAM approach and promoting active engagement of caregivers in early detection and referral, the training contributes to improved access to life-saving nutrition services, reduced malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality, and strengthened community resilience. Overall, this intervention represents a critical step toward sustainable, community-led malnutrition prevention and management in hard-to-reach areas of Beletweyne District.
IMAM training in Beletwayne district
IMAM Training Group Discussion
