Impact of community outreach on the identification and management of children aged 6-59 months with SAM in Anguwan Maigari, Zangon Aya Ward, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children living in underserved rural communities. This study assessed the contribution of a community outreach intervention on the identification and management of children aged 6–59 months with SAM in Anguwan Maigari, Zangon Aya Ward, Igabi Local Government Area |(LGA) of Kaduna State. An eight-week community-based intervention study was conducted using the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) protocol to identify and treat SAM cases. Continuous weekly screening was carried out using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements and bilateral oedema assessment. Data were collected through community screening registers, Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) records, and follow-up monitoring tools. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Additional intervention components included nutrition counselling for caregivers and the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for eligible children. A total of 600 children were screened during the outreach period, comprising 310 males and 290 females. Among those screened, 155 children (82 males and 73 females) were diagnosed with SAM and admitted into OTP care according to the IMAM treatment protocol. Of the admitted children, 93 (60.0%) achieved full recovery during the intervention period, while treatment adherence improved through regular community follow-up visits and caregiver support. The outreach also strengthened early case detection and community awareness of malnutrition. However, challenges such as inadequate RUTF supplies and logistical constraints affected programme implementation. The findings demonstrate that community outreach interventions may improve the early identification and management of SAM among vulnerable children. Sustained outreach activities, strengthened capacity of Community Health Workers (CHWs), and improved integration of nutrition services into primary health care systems are recommended to enhance nutrition outcomes in rural communities.