Islamabad (TW) – With the support of the European Union (EU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has successfully implemented a project with a Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Surge approach in Tharparkar district, Sindh province. This approach aimed to strengthen the government’s health systems to better manage acute malnutrition surges, especially during high-demand periods, without relying on external resources or overburdening the existing health services.
This approach was implemented in 12 health centers in Chachro, a town frequently experiencing acute malnutrition spikes due to poverty, food insecurity, lack of dietary diversity, poor access to clean water and sanitation, and heightened vulnerability to seasonal infections and droughts. The approach equips health systems with tools to better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to malnutrition cases more effectively.
“Malnutrition is a serious concern in Pakistan – and even more so given the frequent climate shocks overshadowing the country especially Sindh Province”, says Taheeni Thammannagoda who oversees the EU humanitarian aid operations in Pakistan. “It is of great importance we work with our partners to increase the local capacity to address the surges of malnutrition cases during crises. The contribution from the EU has helped mitigating and addressing malnutrition in the region.”
WFP Country Director and Representative, Coco Ushiyama, emphasized the significance of this project stating, “The multiplier effect of the CMAM Surge approach, made possible through our partnership with the Government of Sindh and key stakeholders in Umerkot and Tharparkar, highlights its potential for cost-effective expansion to other districts. This evidence-backed model enables the health workers to effectively manage acute malnutrition increases and represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs of malnourished children and women across Sindh”.
The Surge approach followed an eight-step process, starting with a situational trend analysis to identify key drivers of malnutrition, such as local health challenges, and seasonal variations. Health workers were also trained to manage spikes in malnutrition cases, accurately analyse data, and ensure the timely distribution of nutrition supplies.
Additionally, the approach provided provincial and district health authorities with tools to predict malnutrition peaks and respond quickly. A real-time e-dashboard helped track data, detect cases early and ensure timely referrals of malnourished cases to health facilities.
The CMAM Surge approach was first piloted in 30 health centers in Umerkot district in 2021. Following its success, the Government of Sindh had expressed interest in scaling it to other vulnerable districts across the province. The next step for expanding to other districts will involve implementing the approach in Jamshoro district, Sindh.