Surigao City- Crash Course on the Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) has started to orient in the typhoon Odette ravaged local government units on 9 February 2022, particularly in the Municipality of Mainit, Surigao del Norte. 

The mobilization started after the ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a food commodity purposely given to malnourished children, was already delivered to LGUs in the Province of Surigao del Norte. Department of Health (DOH) and UNICEF, delivered the commodities in the first week of January 2022.

Management of moderate to severe acute malnutrition is necessary as children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are 9 -12 times more likely to die than those who are well nourished. On the other hand, children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) are 3 - 4 times more likely to die than those who are well nourished.

The Nutrition cluster led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) with UNICEF as co-lead are in close monitoring with the vulnerable group as the impact of a disaster may further deteriorate the nutritional state. 

DOH Memo No 2015-0055- National Guidelines in the Management of Acute Malnutrition among Children < 5 years old provide standardized protocols specifically on emphasis on linkages and referrals, supply networks, indicators for monitoring, and importance of PIMAM in emergency settings.  

Focused on the four components of integrated management of MAM and SAM, the crash course emphasized management of SAM without complications; management of SAM with complications; management of acute malnutrition; and community outreach. 

The PIMAM crash course in Surigao del Norte is led by NNC Information Management Officer, Ms. Love Joy Juntilla with the participation of other cluster members and volunteers from nearby LGUs. 

In two-week’s time, the team is aiming to cover all the municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte.

PIMAM, or management of MAM and SAM, is part of the routine health and nutrition services at all levels implemented by the DOH and with support from its partner agencies. #NASLabordo