AFOD is currently implementing a nutrition program in Central Equatorial State, Terekeka County with funding and technical support from UNICEF and WFP. To scale up the prevention of acute malnutrition and promote nutrition in Terekeka County, a Community Management of Acute Malnutrition for trainer of trainees (CMAM ToT) workshop/training was organized for nutrition partners and County Health Department (CHD), CES with financial support from UNICEF. This was a 5 days training which started on Monday 27th.June to Friday 1st.July.2022 at Regency Hotel Juba.
1) Overall objective of the training
To promote the prevention of Acute Malnutrition in the community, improve hygiene practices, promote balanced feeding practices at the household level, and exclusive breastfeeding of children for all mothers.
a) Specific objectives
- To demonstrate adequate CMAM knowledge for children U5, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and others.
- To demonstrate adequate and appropriate nutrition counseling skills.
- To sensitize the community on access to nutrition services and integration to other services.
2) Training methodology
There were various methods used in this training for effective understanding including facilitator training/teaching of the models projected on the walls, group discussions, Q&A sessions, role plays, and practical exercises with beneficiaries.
3) Training referral materials
Training materials available included the trainees/participants guide, National CMAM guidebook, the Presentation Slides, M&E Tools, and Equipment. Flip charts, marker pens, sticky notes, a projector, and a public announcement system were used for illustrations and group work.
4) Achievement of the training
All the participants trained were subjected to pre-test and post-test. On average participants gained knowledge of up to 77% based on the comparison of the results from the pre-test and post-test.
5) Recommendations and way forward
- Nutrition staff should stick to the national guidelines while providing nutrition services to the communities.
- During mobilization or community engagement, partners should always include the local leaders to help easily mobilize or pass messages to their communities quickly.
- Managers should organize monitoring visits and provide on-job mentorship to facility staff.
- Nutrition staff should use the right approach to council mothers. For example, the GATHER methodology which covers all-around health and education about nutrition to mothers.
- Partners are encouraged to always link recovered patients to other services like Health, FSL, etc.
