National Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Operational Plan (2017- 2021).

The Plan is meant to resolve existing challenges identified in earlier analysis and is to guide all operations at the national level from 2017-2021. The plan recognizes the practical realities of management of acute malnutrition within the Malawi context; takes into consideration issues of coordination, governance, and advocacy; emphasizes the need for measurable indicators with set targets to determine progress; and ensures access to those most in need of the services through its guiding principles. Lastly, the plan outlines the costs needed to implement each of the prioritized actions. Its goal is to contribute to a reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with acute malnutrition in children 0-15 years of age. The objectives are set to help maintain acute malnutrition in children at less than 5% throughout the 5 year period, and they include the objectives to: improve availability and access to CMAM supplies and equipment; increase the competence of human resources involved in CMAM service delivery; increase effectiveness of CMAM coverage by improving access, acceptability and utilization of services; strengthen the enabling environment for CMAM service delivery; and improve monitoring and evaluation and promote the use of data and information to inform CMAM programming and planning. The Plan is guided by certain principles, including equity, gender equality and equity, health systems strengthening, good governance and accountability, among others. The Plan proposes that its efficient implementation depends on accurately tracking progress and performance, evaluating impact, and ensuring accountability at all operational levels. To ensure the goal, outcomes, and objectives of the operational plan are achieved, indicators and annual targets have been identified for each prioritized activity. The Plan also makes a summary of the overall cost of its implementation.