Engaging Community Health Promoters for Effective Treatment of Child Wasting

Abstract

This paper outlines the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of expanding community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) as an effective approach that uses community health promoters to screen and refer children for appropriate outpatient or inpatient wasting treatment in Kenya. It highlights the challenges of achieving high coverage in health facilities and presents studies conducted in Kenya on integrating acute malnutrition treatment into integrated community case management (iCCM) with community health promoters (CHPs). The findings indicate that involving CHPs in treating malnourished children at the community level enhances recovery rates, reduces defaulting, and shortens the time to recovery compared to facility-based treatment. Key success factors include community sensitization, CHP training, mentoring, simplified tools, protocols, and proximity to caregivers. The format of the position paper examines the historical context and present situation of child wasting on a global scale, with a specific focus on Kenya. Additionally, it underscores alternative approaches and suggestions for involving community health promoters in the efficient management of child wasting.