Nutrition monitoring and evaluation systems are essential in measuring program performance and evaluating the impact of interventions. These systems include routine recording and reporting of nutrition services integrated in the existing health information system and periodic surveys and also assessments. Nutrition surveillance provides information for routine monitoring of nutritional status and early warning for disaster mitigation.
There are nutrition indicators and data elements that are being collected through the District Health Information System; however there are awareness gaps on these indicators among the health care workers and the data managers resulting in incomplete reporting. Routine monitoring of nutritional status requires improvement in data tools and management (collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination). In addition, the early warning system in Arid and Semi arid areas and the national early warning systems require strengthening.
Feedback on surveillance, monitoring and evaluation is necessary to ensure that this information contributes towards identifying specific nutrition requirements and timely provision of services to the areas of greatest need. Actions under this strategic objective therefore aim at addressing these problems in nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems in the country.
Evidence of best practices has to be generated involving research for better solutions to nutrition problems. Programme design should therefore, be based on assessment of the nutrition situation and of the resources that can be mobilized to address the gaps. One of the gaps is that research findings are not adequately used to inform nutrition program design and implementation. There are many nutrition-related studies that have been conducted that have not been widely disseminated to assist in decision making at all levels. With decentralization of nutrition care and services in Kenya, there is need to conduct research at county level to guide in designing specific programs. Under this strategic objective, specific focus will be the identification of priority research areas and advocacy to expand evidence-based solutions at all levels.
Priority areas
- Operationalize the nutrition Monitoring and evaluation framework for the nutrition sector. Download Framework.
- Review, develop and disseminate guidelines and tools on surveillance, monitoring and evaluation
- Strengthen feedback mechanisms on nutrition information among nutrition stakeholders
- Train managers and service providers on use of DHIS and interpretation of M&E data
- Strengthen the integration of nutrition indicators in the existing integrated disease surveillance system
- Promote use of appropriate technology to enhance quality of data collected
- Strengthen/establish research coordination mechanisms at national and county levels
- Resource mobilization to address critical gaps in nutrition research
- Conduct need-based research to inform policy, programme design and implementation
- Strengthen the capacity of relevant research institutions to conduct nutrition research.
Expected outcome:
Enhanced evidence-based decision-making through research in program design and implementation and enhanced quality and timeliness of data collected for effective decision making.