Basilisa, PDI-- On February 18, 2022, a Crash Course Training on the Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM), Nutrition in Emergencies and Information Management (NiE-IM), Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E), Micronutrient Powder, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) assessment, and Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) was conducted to the rural health unit staff of the Municipality of Basilisa in the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI). 

The crash course aims to broaden the knowledge and skills of the rural health unit staff in assessing nutrition status and providing immediate interventions to vulnerable children. Basic knowledge of identifying moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severely acute malnutrition (SAM) in children and the simple protocol on the utilization of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) has been shared with the audience. 

Likewise, nutrition in emergencies was introduced where different strategies and activities in the implementation of nutrition programs during emergencies are listed. It is providing Immediate Interventions to prevent further deterioration of the nutritional state among population group in the community.  

A return demonstration was conducted to determine the readiness of the participants in assessing the nutritional condition of the child 6 months onward using the MUAC tapes.  

In addition, operation timbang plus guidelines and protocols has been emphasized as an important nutritional screening tool used for children at the local level. Data generated by this tool is relevant in planning, managing and evaluating the progress of nutrition program implementation. 

The said crash course was successfully conducted with the help of the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, PNAO Joanna Jessica Yasay, Samaritan's Purse, and National Nutrition Council- Caraga as resource persons. #RFPareja