CMAM Service Provider at Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD)

Role Purpose:

The CMAM Service Provider is responsible for the direct and effective implementation of the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) and/or Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) components of CMAM. This role involves the accurate assessment, treatment, monitoring, and counselling of children (and sometimes pregnant/lactating women) suffering from acute malnutrition, ensuring adherence to national and international protocols to achieve successful recovery and prevent relapse. The provider is a key link between the community and the formal health system for malnutrition treatment.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Assessment and Admission:

• Conduct thorough anthropometric assessments (weight, height/length, MUAC, bilateral pitting edema) for all children and relevant individuals presenting for CMAM services.
• Assess for medical complications and danger signs, and evaluate appetite using the appetite test.
• Accurately apply admission and discharge criteria for OTP and SFP based on national guidelines.
• Ensure proper registration and documentation of all beneficiaries in relevant registers and individual treatment cards.

Treatment and Management:

Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP):

• Provide Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) without complications, based on their weight and age.
• Administer routine medications (e.g., broad-spectrum antibiotics, deworming, Vitamin A, measles vaccination if needed) according to protocol.
• Monitor the child\'s progress weekly, identifying improvements, deterioration, or non-response.
• Provide clear instructions to caregivers on RUTF administration, hygiene, and danger signs requiring immediate return.
• Refer complicated cases or those failing to respond to a Stabilization Centre (SC) or higher-level care.

Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP):

• Provide Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) or other fortified blended foods to children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
• Conduct regular anthropometric monitoring to ensure progress and prevent deterioration to SAM.
• Provide targeted nutrition and hygiene education.

Counselling and Education:

• Provide comprehensive Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselling, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding practices, and dietary diversity.
• Counsel caregivers on hygiene practices, safe water, and sanitation.
• Educate caregivers on danger signs of malnutrition and other illnesses, and the importance of timely follow-up.
• Address misconceptions and cultural barriers related to feeding and treatment.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential records of all beneficiaries, including admission details, weekly progress, RUTF/RUSF consumption, and discharge outcomes.
• Compile and summarize daily, weekly, and monthly program data (e.g., admissions, discharges, defaulters, recoveries) for reporting to the Nutrition Officer/Coordinator.
• Ensure data quality and consistency.

Supply Chain Management:

• Monitor stock levels of nutrition commodities (RUTF, RUSF, therapeutic milk, routine medications) at the site level.
• Ensure proper storage conditions to prevent spoilage or damage.
• Prepare accurate requests for resupply to avoid stock-outs.

Coordination and Referral:

• Coordinate closely with CMAM Screeners, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), and local health facility staff.
• Facilitate timely and appropriate internal and external referrals (e.g., from community to OTP/SFP, from OTP to SC, to WASH, health, or protection services).
• Participate in review meetings and contribute to program adjustments based on field observations.

Qualifications and Experience:   

• Bachelor\'s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health, Nursing, Community Health Extension Work (CHEW), Clinical Medicine, or a related medical/health field.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of proven experience in direct implementation of Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) programs.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with anthropometric measurements, appetite testing, and administering routine medications within a CMAM context.
• Strong experience in providing Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselling.
• Proficient in data collection, record-keeping, and basic reporting for nutrition programs.
• Experience working in community settings and with vulnerable populations.
• Prior experience in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, or similar humanitarian/emergency contexts, is a significant advantage.