2020 will be remembered as a year the world radically changed, but it was also a year that reminded us of the importance of fundamental structures and systems. Now, as much as ever, strengthening the nutrition data value chain (DVC) is needed to address the challenges COVID-19 crisis poses to food, nutrition, and health globally. During 2020, DataDENT partners—the Johns…
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Overview of new nutrition questions in the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) core questionnaires
The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Program just released the new DHS model questionnaires for round 8 (2018-2023). We previously shared on the blog how DHS and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) are main sources of nationally-representative maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition data. The four DHS core questionnaires (household, woman, man, and biomarker) will be used globally, and…
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How can we better support countries to build and maintain nutrition data and information systems?
The first Global Nutrition Report (GNR) in 2014 called for a “data revolution” in nutrition, recognizing that data investments are needed to enable countries to design and implement effective policies and programs, mobilize resources, and monitor progress. While some progress has since been made to improve nutrition data, current efforts are still insufficient. The 2020 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit…
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Overview of WHO’s Essential nutrition actions: mainstreaming nutrition through the life-course
This week at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UN Member States adopted a landmark declaration on universal health coverage (UHC). Improving integration of nutrition interventions within health services is a key component of UHC and tackling malnutrition across all life stages. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines UHC as all people and populations having access to primary health care…
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The power of the spotlight: Data in global nutrition advocacy
In the past decade, the availability and use of data have shed light on the importance of addressing malnutrition to improve human health and well-being. At the same time, high profile advocacy events have pushed the nutrition profile even further. Hand-in-hand, data and advocacy have increased the attention, policies and resources directed towards improving nutrition. The year 2012 was…
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India Nutrition Data Bonanza
IFPRI’s Purnima Menon shares elements of the proposed nutrition monitoring framework for India In order to support India’s robust policy framework for nutrition, it is imperative that the nutrition community converge on measurement metrics and programmatic actions. On May 1, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (“Gates Foundation”) co-hosted the India Nutrition Data Bonanza in…
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World Health Assembly: Monitoring Progress of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition Progress through the Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA)
Progress on nutrition commitments: where are we now? Between May 20-28 of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold the 72nd annual World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHA is the decision-making body of the WHO at which Member States gather to review and decide on policies, budgets and organizational procedures. On the agenda for the WHA this year is…
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Quantifying the nutrition transition among children in low- and middle-income countries
© 2012 Akintunde Akinleye/NURHI, Courtesy of Photoshare Over 25 years ago, Dr. Barry Popkin described a global “nutrition transition” – a shift of diets high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to diets high in sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods [1]. This nutrition transition was an “emerging crisis” for low-income countries and linked to changes in demography, epidemiology, and…
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Malnutrition: a key barrier to women and girls’ empowerment
© 2017 Dr. Mohd. Irfan Ahamad Seyyed, Courtesy of Photoshare March 8th marks International Women’s Day, an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political contributions of women. Since 1911, International Women’s Day has been an official day to measure and celebrate progress towards gender parity. Many individuals and institutions have come to focus on women’s economic and social…
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Breastfeeding counseling: The need for actionable data
© 2016 Sanjeeta/CCP India, Courtesy of Photoshare In early 2019, the WHO released global guidance that recommends breastfeeding counseling for all women starting during pregnancy up until the child is two years or older. However, data on the coverage of breastfeeding counseling is limited. There is need for more actionable data on breastfeeding counseling coverage during critical time points.