Background & Aims
Malnutrition remains an important underlying cause of mortality and morbidity in Tanzania. Malnutrition is a serious barrier to the development of full human potential and sustainable social and economic development. To achieve health for all, Tanzania has to address the malnutrition challenge.
Early identification and management of malnutrition cases at health facilities presents an opportunity to improve the overall quality of care and clinical outcomes while reducing costs. 

Methodology 
USAID Boresha Afya Project data on quality of pediatric care at 421 facilities was collected through routine quality improvement assessments using a national Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) compliance assessment tool between April – June 2018.  

Results 
A total of 1,146 under-fives were seen in 421 facilities. The nutrition assessment and categorization was conducted in 10% of cases assessed. Height was recorded in 2% of the total cases assessed, while weight was recorded in 53% of cases. 
The Project, in collaboration with District Nutrition Officers, provided mentorship on nutrition assessment and categorization. Health facilities with no anthropometric equipment were encouraged to procure them from their resources in improving nutrition and RMNCAH services. Ongoing program support ensures that health providers conduct regular monitoring on nutrition status for under-fives during clinic attendance. 

Conclusions
Quality improvement tool used in the project such as electronic IMCI compliance assessment is effective in identifying gaps on nutrition specific interventions in health facilities. Providing immediate mentorship on observed gaps on knowledge and skills improve quality of child health care in facilities. 
Abstract Topics
Childhood and Adolescence

ADDRESSING PRACTICAL CHALLENGES WITH NUTRITION ASSESSMENT: THE EXPERIENCE FROM LAKE AND WESTERN ZONES, TANZANIA