Evaluation of the Integrated Management Program for Acute Malnutrition in the Douentza Health District, Mopti Region, Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in Mali, despite the efforts of the government, its technical and financial partners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrated management program for acute malnutrition (IMPAM). Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from January to December 2020 in the Douentza health district. The study included anyone with at least one malnourished child aged 6 to 59 months in their care who agreed to take part in the study, community health center staff who had given their consent, and the URENI manager at the Douentza reference health center. Data collected via questionnaires were entered into Excel and then analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: A total of 138 acutely malnourished children aged 6 - 59 months, including 71 girls (51.45%), 138 accompanying mothers and 11 health workers, were included in our case study. Among the malnourished, 54.34% were in the 12 - 23 months age group and 69.57% had the severe form. 93% of the mothers interviewed were satisfied with the care provided, and all the health staff interviewed stated that community conflicts had an impact on IMPAM’s activities. Cure rates were 81% in Moderate Outpatient Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAM), 84% in Severe Ambulatory Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAS) and 92% in Recovery and Intensive Nutritional Education Unit (URENI). Drop-out rates were 19% in URENAM, 16% in URENAS and 0% in URENI. The death rate was 8% in URENI and 0% in URENAM and URENAS. Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of malnutrition in the district (10.54%). It also reveals that factors such as inter-community conflict and insecurity have seriously affected the IMPAM program.