SQUEAC Report, Bamako District II, 2015

The program to support the prevention, screening, and management of acute malnutrition at the community level officially began in November 2013 following a setup period that began in August 2013. This program covers Commune II of Bamako, making it an urban program. However, there is significant movement among a portion of the population, including people who live in another commune but come to work during the day and return in the evening, or those who travel for work related activities (such as traveling to farming areas outside the city during the rainy season).

The assessment, conducted using the SQUEAC methodology, took place from January 19 to February 11, 2015, and was supported by remote guidance from the CMN. Since this period is generally favorable for children in terms of access to sufficient, high-quality food and lower rates of illness—with cases of severe acute malnutrition being rarer at this time—the assessment was halted after the second stage to allow for a more in-depth analysis of the first two stages. Overall coverage was therefore not estimated. However, the investigations made it possible to identify and confirm areas with low coverage and to explore in greater depth the issue of dropouts, a predominant and concerning issue in this district. Strengths and barriers were identified, and recommendations were made, accompanied by a preliminary draft action plan.