HFDI Deepens Partnership with IMAM Center to Strengthen Referral Systems and Fight Malnutrition in Akwa Ibom
In order to strengthen referral treatment and malnutrition in Akwa Ibom state, Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, Akwa Ibom State conducted an advocacy and partnership engagement visit to the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition, IMAM, Center as part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and nutrition services for vulnerable children and households.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration and coordination in the identification, referral, treatment, and follow-up of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition, SAM, and Moderate Acute Malnutrition, MAM.
The HFDI’s program team presented ongoing community-based interventions including community mobilization and sensitization, screening and referral of malnutrition cases, follow-up/home visits, Infant and Young Child Feeding, IYCF, support, maternal and child health interventions, HIV/AIDS services, and adolescent safe space activities.
The Stakeholders through their interactive discussions on improving referral pathways, continuity of care, beneficiary tracking, and community-facility linkage services, embraced timely access to healthcare and nutrition support while reducing loss to follow-up.
The coordination meeting reflected strengthened collaboration between the IMAM Center and HFDI structures for coordinated service delivery, improved understanding of referral and feedback mechanisms to enhance documentation, communication, and continuity of care, and renewed commitment by both parties to prioritize healthcare access and follow-up for beneficiaries, especially malnourished children and vulnerable households.
HFDI noted that coordinated community-facility linkages are critical to reducing the burden of acute malnutrition and improving health outcomes at the grassroots.
“The advocacy visit was successful and productive. Continued collaboration, effective referral tracking, and sustained community sensitization was diagnosed to contribute significantly to better health and nutrition outcomes within the community,” HFDI stated.
Also, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with health facilities, caregivers, and community volunteers to ensure no child is left behind due to malnutrition.