The Montserrado County Health Team, in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, conducted a supervision and mentorship visit at ELWA Hospital over the weekend to strengthen the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) program. The supervision was an approach to assess adherence to IMAM protocols, enhance healthcare workers’ skills, and improve nutrition services for children suffering from acute malnutrition. During the exercise, health experts provided mentorship sessions to hospital staff, reinforcing best practices in screening, diagnosing, and treating malnutrition cases.
Mr. Dennis Wellington, Clinical Supervisor of the County Health Team, emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, stating that such initiatives ensure healthcare providers are well-equipped to manage malnutrition effectively. The team also evaluated stock levels of therapeutic foods and medical supplies to guarantee that the hospital remains prepared to handle severe and moderate malnutrition cases. Samaritan’s Purse Liberia, the lead nutrition partner supporting ELWA Hospital’s Nutrition Program, played a key role in facilitating the supervision visit. Healthcare workers at the hospital welcomed the initiative, noting that the mentorship has improved their confidence and competence in managing malnutrition. They reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to enhance care for vulnerable children.
The Montserrado County Health Team reiterated its dedication to strengthening nutrition services through regular supervision, mentorship, and collaboration with healthcare facilities. The IMAM program remains a critical intervention in Liberia’s fight against child malnutrition, aligning with national efforts to improve public health outcomes.
The Ministry of Health has been actively involved in curative and preventive nutrition interventions for over a decade, working to reduce stunting rates, improve breastfeeding practices, and enhance care for malnourished children and adolescents.