Ongoing Nutrition Programmes

number of health facilities where nutrition programmes are implemented

This indicator refers to the capability of health facilities to provide a minimum acceptable standard of service; it is measured by the availability of human resources (presence of trained personnel), physical resources (adequate equipment and supplies) and management of cases of acute malnutrition in line with National Guidance. It focuses on the functionality of the nutrition programme independently of the “use of the service” by the target community.

Determine the indicator's value by using the following methodology:

 

1) Define the project (reference) period. Clearly establish the timeframe of the specific project for which you are using this indicator.  

 

2) Identify the target health facilities. List the health facilities where nutrition programmes are implemented as part of the project’s support. This could include hospitals, health centres, health posts, and/or health clinics (static and mobile), depending on the structure of the health system in the area of operation.

 

3) Define what constitutes ‘nutrition programme implementation’ at the health facility level and decide on how to score the relevant criteria. This can build on checklists that are often included in National Protocols. The criteria may include:

• The presence of trained personnel: Facility staff have participated in specific training on the nutrition programmes (e.g. Community / Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition – CMAM/IMAM in line with National Nutrition Guidance and Protocols)

• Adequate equipment: The facility has the necessary equipment to deliver the nutrition programmes (e.g. scales, height boards, MUAC tapes)

• Adequate supplies: The facility has a consistent and sufficient supply of essential commodities (e.g. RUTFs/RUSFs)

• Active case management: The facility is actively managing cases of acute malnutrition in adherence with National Protocols and SPHERE standards.

 

4) Assess how many supported health facilities meet the criteria by using the project team’s existing knowledge and official records (e.g. staff attendance lists, log reports of RUTF / medical supplies). If any information is missing, contact and/or visit the given health facility.

 

5) The value of the indicator equals the number of health facilities where nutrition programmes are implemented according to the defined criteria.

Disaggregate the data by health facility type.

1) Consider if the implementation is ongoing and sustainable, or if it was a one-off activity. This indicator refers to health facilities with active programmes during the reporting period.

 

2) Maintain clear records of the assessment process for each health facility, including the evidence used to determine if it meets the criteria for "nutrition programme implementation."

 

3) Ensure each distinct health facility is counted only once - even if it implements multiple types of nutrition programmes.