Assessing the quality of the IMAM services in Sierra Leone

Background and Significance
To address acute malnutrition in children the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) of Sierra Leone implemented in 2007 the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) programme, which is now scaled up in all 14 districts nationwide.   The establishment of the IMAM programme is thought to have contributed to a progressive decrease in the national malnutrition rate. However,  an assessment conducted in 2015  showed that the quality of IMAM services was suboptimal.
 
Specific aims
This is a large assessment aiming at determining the quality of IMAM services at hospital and health center level, in 7 districts in Sierra Leone 
   
Methods
We will assess a total of 99 facilities, accounting for 100 of the hospitals in the study sites (55% of total hospitals of Sierra Leone) and 25% of health centers ( 12.3% of the total heath centers of Sierra Leone). Data Collection will include mostly quantitative data. Multiple data sources will be used, to allow data triangulation.
 
Impact and Translational Implications
The study will identify gaps in quality of care and recommends solutions for improving thje IMAM services, thus benefitting local communities.
 
Collaborators
WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health,  Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo
CUAMM Doctors with Africa
UNICEF