United Nations System
Standing Committee on Nutrition

RNIS 42 - August 2003

RNIS readership survey analysis
Listing of sources
Abbreviations used in the text
Nutritional Assessments
Notes on surveys quoted in RNIS # 42
Indicators and classification

RNIS readership survey analysis and proposed development of RNIS — May 2003

The readership survey was not intended to be representative of the readers as it is known that response rates are usually low for this type of survey. However, it was hoped that the survey would give us an idea of readers' perceptions of RNIS reports.

The questionnaire was not sent to all readers but only by email to the readers for whom we had an email address. 426 questionnaires were sent, which represents approximately one third of the single report mailing list and 20% of the total readership when including the bulk mailing list.

79 questionnaires were returned, corresponding to a response rate of 19%, which is in line with what one may expect for a readership survey. The last RNIS readership survey, which was done in 1997, had a response rate of 14%.

Analysis was conducted on all returned questionnaires. Additional comments of the respondents were also reported on.

Respondents profile

The majority of the respondents (33%) was affiliated to an academic establishment, from whom 10% were also affiliated with either a government, a NGO/PVO or a UN agency. 23% of the respondents were affiliated to a NGO/PVO, 17% to a government, 16% to a UN organisation, and 6.5% to a private company; three respondents were consultants.

The majority of the respondents were either Europe based (38%) or Africa based (26%). 17% were from North America, 15% from Asia and 4% from Latin America.

The response rates were 33% for Latin America, 20% for Europe, 18% for North America, 16% for Asia and for Africa.

Periodicity of the reports

86% of the respondents felt that the periodicity of the report was good, whilst 9% would like the reports to be more frequent (on a monthly or two monthly basis) and 5% felt the report is too frequent. The majority of the respondents who would like the report to be more frequent were from NGO/PVO. They felt that the timeliness of the report was not adequate and that information was out of date when the printed versions were received, especially in developing countries. Suggestions were made to edit updates more frequently than the printed report and to make them available through email or the website.

Information provided in the report

Of 74 people who answered the question, 88% felt that the analysis was adequate, and 89% felt that there was enough contextual information given.

Some of the readers felt the report was too long; others would like that some information and analyses be strengthened, such as:

• food security
• nutrition causal analysis
• anthropometric assessment of children less than six months old and assessment of feeding practices
• trends in malnutrition prevalence and how they can be explained

Some of the respondents would like more countries reported on, especially situations outside Africa.

Several respondents emphasised the fact that information provided in the reports is unique as it is the only source of consolidated nutrition information in emergency situations. However, there has also been expression of concern about how representative the surveys reported in RNIS reports are because they are dependent on the information received. Similarly, some of the readers felt RNIS should be more linked with experts in the field, in order that the analysis be more in -depth and reflect in -country interpretation and contribution.

Reading and use of the reports

The reports are read by between 1 and 120 people. 30% of the respondents (of 76 respondents) said its copy was read by one person, 50% said its copy was read by 2 to 5 people, 8% said its copy was read by 6 to 10 people and 12% said its copy was read by more than 10 people. The average number of readers of one copy was 5.

The pieces of the report which are the most often read are the highlights (78.5%), and the front table (57.1%). 58% of the readers often read about specific countries and 39% read about specific countries from time to time. The full report is often read by 33% of the readers, whilst 43% read it from time to time.

The report is often used by 46% of the respondents when they receive it (of 78 responses) and from time to time by 42% of the respondents. Of 72 responses, 97% of the respondents look at information in previous issues (often: 38%, from time to time: 59%).

78% of the 76 respondents to this question thought the report was very useful for information, whilst 22% thought it was moderately useful.

50% and 37% of the readers respectively, felt the report was very useful or moderately useful for training.

67% of the respondents felt the report was moderately useful for decision making, 20% felt it was very useful and 13% felt it was not useful. For 48% of the respondents, the report was moderately useful for lobbying, whilst 26% thought it was very useful or not useful.

RNIS format

The majority of the respondents would prefer to continue receiving a printed version (75%), of which 33% would also like to receive RNIS by Email or on a CD. Ten percent would prefer to receive RNIS by email and 5% on a CD.

Situation coverage

77% of the 74 respondents to this question felt that it will be very useful to enlarge the scope of the report to cover emergency nutrition situations not directly related to population displacement or conflict; 20% felt it would be moderately useful and 3% felt it would not be useful.

Other information which might be provided by RNIS

All of the respondents (of 78 responses) felt that supplements on technical issues would be useful, either very useful for 84% of the respondents or moderately useful for 16%.

Some of the most cited issues to be treated in such supplements were:

• nutrition survey: sampling methodologies, nutrition survey vs nutrition surveillance, complementary information to gather with a nutrition survey, when and why to conduct a nutrition survey.
• assessment of minus 6 month olds: anthropometric assessment, assessment of infant feeding and breast-feeding practices.
• assessment, prevention and control of micro-nutrient deficiencies
• HIV and nutrition in emergencies

Retrospective analysis of the evolution of nutrition situations as country cases were felt to be very useful by 70% of the respondents or moderately useful by 28% of the respondents.

The most cited countries were: Afghanistan, Iraq, Southern Africa and Sudan

The development of a nutrition survey database available on the web was felt to be very useful by 81% of the respondents, whilst 14% thought it would be moderately useful and 5% not useful (of 75 responses).

72% of the respondents thought that mapping of nutrition results would be very useful, 23% felt it would be moderately useful and 5% it would be not useful (of 74 responses).

Access on the web to RNIS reports classified by country was thought to be either very useful or moderately useful by respectively 59% and 26% of the respondents, whilst 15% felt it would not be useful (of 73 responses).

RNIS role

Some readers would like to see RNIS more involved in identifying recurrent problems, forgotten situations and what to do to address them. Others have suggested that RNIS could develop as a focal point for nutrition survey methodologies, implementation, and interpretation.

Proposed strategy for the continuation and development of the RNIS project

RNIS role's in providing consolidated information on nutrition situations in emergencies is well recognised. However, the use of RNIS for decision making and lobbying should be enhanced.

It is however difficult for a single report to answer the needs of a wide scope of readers, of whom some are directly involved in field operations and others are not. Different vectors may be developed to answer the different needs. It will, however, be impossible for RNIS to be as timely and in- depth as in country information.

RNIS regular reports

The scope of the reports could be enlarged to cover more countries outside Africa and nutrition emergencies not directly related to war and displacements. In order to reflect the inclusion of non-refugee populations, RNIS name could be changed.

The enlargement of contributing agencies and of the type of information gathered (especially food security information) is a day-to-day effort of RNIS and will be pursued.

In order to provide a more in-depth analysis, ways of improving RNIS links with people based in-country would be explored.

Timeliness and easier use of the information

There was an attempt, in 1998-1999, to edit regular electronic up-dates between the publication of the RNIS reports. This proved to be difficult because the information provided to RNIS is not usually sent on a regular basis but when asked for. The workload of the RNIS coordinator is another constraint.

To improve the timeliness of RNIS reports and respond to the fact that some people think it is too long, summaries of the information contained in the following RNIS printed report could be sent by email, before the full RNIS printed report is sent. This may enable the provision of both, more timely condensed information, and a full analysis of the information on a regular basis.

Development of tools which will make the nutrition data easier to look for should also be developed (mapping of nutrition data, database available on the web, classification of RNIS reports by country on the web).

More in depth analysis

More in-depth analysis of country cases and identification of recurrent problems, forgotten situations and ways to improve them and lobbying for best practices may be achieved through supplements on country cases or technical issues.

Your comments would be most welcome
 

Listing of sources

Greater Horn of Africa

Ethiopia

CARE/WFP 02/03 A follow-up nutritional assessment report, West Haraghe zone, Oromiya region

CARE/WFP 05/03 East Haraghe nutrition survey summary report

CARE/WFP 06/03 West Hararghe follow up nutrition survey summary report

ENFS 15/07/03 Monthly report

FEWS 23/05/03 Food emergency in Ethiopia worsens as 1.2 million additional people urgently need food aid

GOAL 04/03 Findings of a nutrition survey, Zone 3, Afar region

GOAL 05/03 Summary results of a 30/30 cluster nutrition survey, Fentale, East Shoa Zone, Oromiya region

GOAL 06/06 Summary results of a 30/30 cluster nutrition survey, Daro Lebu, West Haraghe zone, Oromiya region

MSF-H 06/03 Nutrition intervention emergency project, Zigway, Adamitulo Jido woreda, East Shoa, Oromia region

OCHA 11/07/03 Relief bulletin: weekly humanitarian highlights in Ethiopia

OCHA 14/07/03 Ethiopia: government increases food rations

OCHA 16/07/03 Ethiopia: new report criticises response to food crisis

SCF 17/07/03 Tackling famine in Ethiopia - 20 years of missed opportunities

SCF-UK 04/03 Nutritional survey for five districts of Fik zone, Somali regional state

SCF-UK 03/03 Nutrition assessment in Gubalafto woreda, North Wollo

WFP 08/08/03 WFP Emergency report n° 32

WV 06/03 Summary result of nutrition surveys, Tenta woreda, South Wollo, Amhara region

WV 06/03 Summary result of nutrition surveys, Omo Sheleko, Kembata and Timbaro, SNNPR

WV 06/03 Summary result of nutrition surveys, Kedida Gamilla woreda, Kembata and Timbaro, SNNPR

WV 06/03 Summary result of nutrition surveys, Hidhabu Abote woreda, Noth Showa, Oromia

Somalia

AFP 06/07/03 Somalia's interim government rejects Nairobi peace accord

AFP 21/04/03 Somaliland economy hit by livestock trade ban, lack of recognition

FSAU/N 06/03 Nutrition Update

FSAU/N 07/03 Nutrition Update

FSAU/FS 07/03 Food security update

FSAU 07/03 Focus Gu 2003 forecast and outlook for Somalia

ICG 28/07/03 Somaliland: democratisation and its discontents

OCHA 09/06/03 Somalia: fresh fighting in Middle Shabelle

OCHA 11/06/03 Somalia: renewd fighting in Mogadishu, at least seven killed

OCHA 30/06/03 Somalia: thousands protest against violence

OCHA 07/07/03 Medical workers halt work in Mogadishu

OCHA 10/07/03 Over 40 killes in fighting in central region

OCHA 16/07/03 Faction leader rejects "flawed" agreement

OCHA 30/07/03 Talks "will not stop" despite president's walkout

UNICEF/ 04/03 Nutrition survey report, Galkaio district, Mudug region, Somalia

MOSA/FSAU

UNICEF/ 05/03 Nutrition survey, Kisamyo district, lower Jubba region, south Somalia

MUSLIM AID-UK,

FSAU/SRCS

Vanguard 22/04/03 Somaliland opposition leader rejects election outcome

Sudan

AAH-USA 04/03 Nutritional anthropometric survey, Old Fangak district, Phou state, Upper Nile

AAH-USA 04/03 Nutritional anthropometric survey, Pagak district, Upper Nile (Latjor state)

ACF-F 02/03 Nutritional survey in Wau town and IDP camps

ACF 28/05/03 Deterioration of humanitarian situation in Bhar el Ghazal

AFP 13/07/03 Sudanese government sees "setback" at peace talks in Kenya

AFP 25/07/03 Sudan peace talks to resume August 10

AFP 15/07/03 Heavy fighting in western Sudan

FEWS 04/07/03 Food security deteriorates in parts of Pibor county

FEWS 17/07/03 Fews southern Sudan food security monthly report 17/07/03- Hunger season near peak

GOAL & al 04/03 Nutrition survey report, Kassala IDPs (Old and new arrivals)

GOAL & al 05/03/03 Upper Nile State survey report, May 2003

MSF-H 06/03 Nutritional survey, Lankien, Bieh state, Jongley

OCHA 30/06/03 Sudan: Cessation of hostilities agreement renewed

OCHA 31/07/03 OCHA Sudan: heavy floods in Kassala state

UNHCR 05/08/03 UNHCR Eritrea info bulletin: 1,653 refugees repatriate before the rainy season

WFP/TSU 15/04/03 Southern Sudan food security update

West Africa

Ivory Coast

ACF-F 20/07/03 Rapport d'évaluation, sécurité alimetaire, sous-préfectures de Zouan Hounien et Bin-Houyé

AFP 04/07/03 Ivory Coast warring parties declare official end to conflict

HRW 05/08/03 Côte d'Ivoire: mercenaries and militias must go

MSF 10/07/03 The collapse of healthe care, malnutrition, violence and displacement in western Côte d'Ivoire

OCHA 16/07/03 Côte d'Ivoire: Peacekeepers say 2,000 gunmen still roam the Wild West

UN SC 04/08/03 Security council authorizes West African, French forces in Côte d'Ivoire for six more months, resolution 1498 (2003) adopted unanimously

UN SC 08/08/03 First report of the secretary-general on the UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire

USCR 07/08/03 Beyond Monrovia: Liberian refugees displaced in West Africa

WFP 22/08/03 WFP emergency report n° 34

Liberia

ACF-F 05/08/03 Food security and nutrition update, Monrovia, Liberia

AFP 02/08/03 Un resolution allows international intervention, no clear US involvement

AFP 12/08/03 New clashes in Liberia's key port city

Alertnet 1/08/03 Liberia's Taylor resigns and quits war-ruined land

DEC 12/08/03 Leading UK charities launch Liberia crisis appeal

Le Monde 12/08/03 Liberia: incertitudes et violences de l'après-Taylor

Le Monde 13/08/03 Les rebelles revendiquent le pouvoir dans le Liberia d'après-Taylor

Le Monde 13/08/03 Les Libériens affamés gagnés par l'impatience.

MSF 31/07/03 Liberia: a cholera outbreak in Monrovia goes unchecked as street fighting continues

OCHA 06/06/03 Liberia: displaced flee camps as rebels advance into Monrovia

OCHA 18/07/03 The Liberian conflict

UNHCR 31/07/03 Refugees may flee to Guinea as Liberian rebels advance, warns UNHCR

UNHCR 05/08/03 UNHCR briefing notes

Great Lakes

Burundi

AFP 14/07/03 40,000 civilians displaced by Burundi clashes, US diplomats to leave

AFP 21/08/03 Burundi talks end in South Africa with some progress

OCHA 30/04/03 Burundi: president Buyoya transfers power to Ndayizeye

OCHA 15/07/03 Burundi: IDPs return home

OCHA 20/07/03 Situation report, 13-20 July 2003

OCHA 03/08/03 Situation report, 28 July-3 August 2003

OCHA 10/08/03 Situation report, 4-10 August 2003

RI 18/06/03 Burundian refugees in Tanzania: between a rock and a hard place

UNHCR 03/06/03 UNHCR briefing notes

UNICEF- 07/03 Analyse de la situation nutritionnelle Burundi

DRC

AAH 28/05/03 Nutrition situation critical in Lubumbashi, DR Congo-Action Against Hunger calls attention

AFP 04/06/03 DR Congolese begin returning to main Ituri town: UN

BBC News 05/08/03 DR Congo's lifeline returns

ICG 13/06/03 DRC: UN interim emergency force in Ituri is totally insufficient

IRC 04/03 Mortality in the DRC: results from a nationwide survey. Conducted September-November 2002

MSF 25/07/03 Ituri: Unkept promise? A pretense of protection and inadequate assistance

OCHA 02/07/03 DRC: thousands of residents returning to Bunia

RI 02/06/03 DRC: rapid deployment of emergency multinational force critical

UNICEF 19/05/03 UNICEF humanitarian action: Ituri crisis donor alert

USAID 30/07/03 DR Congo: complex emergency situation report #3

Uganda

AAH-USA 05/03 Nutrition survey in IDP camps, Gulu district, Northern Uganda

FEWS 09/07/03 Uganda, monthly food security update

IRIN 07/07/03 Uganda: LRA attacks aimed at dismantling camps-Red Cross report

OCHA 03/03 Report on the rapid assessment of IDPs in Katakwi district, 11-14 March 2003

OCHA 30/06/03 Humanitarian update-Uganda, volume V, issue 6

UNHCR 19/05/03 Uganda counts close to 20,000 new Congolese refugees from Ituri region

WFP/MOH 01/03 Nutrition survey among the internally displaced population in Northern Uganda

WFP 25/07/03 WFP emergency report n° 30 of 2003

WFP 29/07/03 WFP appeals for US$ 54 million to tackle Uganda's worst humanitarian crisis in year

Republic of Congo

EC 14/04/03 European Commission supports peace process in Congo-Brazzaville

ICRC 15/07/03 Republic of Congo: help for 10,000 displaced persons in Brazzaville

MSF-H 03/03 Nutritional survey in south Brazzaville IDP camps, March 10-14 2003

MSF 04/03 Health levels inadequate in Congo Brazzaville IDP camps

MSF-H 06/03 Nutritional survey in south Brazzaville IDP camps, June 2003

OCHA 18/03/03 Government, rebels reafirm commitment to peace

OCHA 02/06/03 Humanitarian evaluation mission underway in Pool region

OCHA 10/07/03 NGO lends its support to return of Pool IDPs

RI 21/05/03 Forgotten people: Republic of Congo

WFP 20/06/03 WFP Emergency report n° 25

Angola

ACH 03/03 Inquérito nutritional e de mortalidade, Março 2003, Municipio da Ganda, Provincia de Benguela, Angola

ACTSA 08/05/03 Angola peace monitor issue n°8, vol IX

CRS/MINSA 04/03 Inquerito nutritcionale cobertura vacinal, Cubal, Angola

CRS/MINSA 04/03 Inquerito nutritcionale cobertura vacinal, Balombo, Angola

FAO/WFP 25/07/03 FAO crop and food supply assessment mission to Angola

GoA 19/06/03 Government declares the shutting down of sheltering areas

IRIN 19/06/03 Angola: Quartering areas closed, resettlement problems continue

MSF 22/07/03 MSF assists in repatriation of 440,000 Moxico refugees after 27 years of civil war in Angola

OCHA 10/07/03 Angola humanitarian co-ordination update, 10/07/03

UNHCR 11/07/03 UNHCR briefing notes: Zambia/Angola, Liberia

Afghanistan

ACF-F 04/03 Nutrition anthropometric survey, new camps of Afghan refugees in Balochistan province, Pakistan

AFP 02/07/03 Attacks in Afghanistan doubled in May: ISAF commander

AFP 12/06/03 Afghanistan heads for best harvest in 25 years: UN

AI 06/03 Afghanistan, out of sight, out of mind: The fate of the Afghan returnees

BAAG 31/05/03 BAAG Afghanistan monthly review May 2003

BAAG 30/06/03 BAAG Afghanistan monthly review June 2003-07-22

MSF-B 05/03 Nutrition survey and retrospective mortality assessment, Maymana, Almar and Qaysar districts, Faryab province, Afghanistan

NRC 01/07/03 Insecurity and lack of assistance are major constraints to IDP return

OCHA 18/07/03 Afghanistan: NATO prepares to take ISAF command

RI 30/06/03 Afghan refugees to finally leave the Shaman waiting area

RI 09/07/03 Return to Afghanistan

UNHCR 11/07/03 More than 300,000 Afghan refugees return from Pakistan, Iran

UNHCR 14/07/03 Relocations of Afghan from the border area continues

WFP 13/06/03 WFP Afghanistan pipeline news n° 5/2003

URD 02/03 Quality Project in Afghanistan, 15 January - 12 February 2003

In brief

Eritrea

FEWS 20/08/03 Eritrea-monthly food security update, July 25, 2003

OCHA 13/08/03 Eritrean: Rains do not mean drought is over

USAID 24/07/03 USAID Eritrea drought fact sheet # 4

WFP 14/08/03 WFP emergency report n° 33

Kenya

AFP 07/05/03 Refugees desperate for shelter, aid after Kenyan floods

OCHA 22/07/03 Kenya: marginalised Turkana vie with refugees

WFP 08/08/03 WFP emergency report n° 32

Guinea

OCHA 31/07/03 Guinea humanitarian situation report n° 3
 

Abbreviations used in the text
 

Nutritional Assessments

Results of surveys quoted in RNIS # 42

Notes on surveys quoted in RNIS # 42

The Greater Horn Region

Ethiopia

Somali region

Fik and Hamero districts, Fik zone The survey was conducted by SCF-UK in April 2003. The sample only included villages that consisted of more than fifty households and were accessible by road. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 913 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security indicators.

Segeg, Duhun and Garbo districts, Fik zone The survey was conducted by SCF-UK in April 2003. The sample only included villages that consisted of more than fifty households and were accessible by road. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 910 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security indicators.

Amhara region

Tenta district, South Wolo zone The survey was conducted by World Vision in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Gubalafto district, North Wollo zone The survey was conducted by SCF-UK in March 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 902 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively.

SNNPR

Kedida Gamilla district, Omo Sheleko district, Kembata and Timbaro zone The surveys were conducted by World Vision in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The surveys also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Oromia

Hidhabu Abote district, North Showa zone The survey was conducted by World Vision in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Fentale district, East Showa zone The survey was conducted by GOAL in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 910 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Rural areas, Zigway, Admitulo, Jido districts, East Showa zone The survey was conducted by MSF-H in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 909 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and coverage of food aid distribution.

Rural areas of lowlands and dry midlands, West Haraghe zone The survey was conducted by CARE/WFP in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 924 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months.

Daro Lebu district, West Haraghe zone The survey was conducted by GOAL in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 910 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Kurkfa Chelle, Grawa, Bedeno and Meyu, East Haraghe zone The survey was conducted by CARE/WFP in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 910 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months.

Afar region

Rural areas, Zone 3 The survey was conducted by GOAL in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 900 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the past three months. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Somalia

Galkaio town, Mudug region The survey was conducted by UNICEF/MOSA/FSAU in the 3 north Galkaio sections (the south section was not included in the survey for security reason) in April 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 923 children between 6-59 months. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, vitamin A supplementation coverage, and occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey. 523 heads of households were interviewed about various food security and public health indicators.

Kismayo district, Lower Juba region The survey was conducted by UNICEF/Musliam Aid-UK, SRCS and FSAU in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 913 children between 6-59 months. Under-five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, vitamin A supplementation coverage, and occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey. 470 heads of households were interviewed about various food security and public health indicators.

Sool plateau (Sool and Sanag region portion) The survey was conducted by UNICEF/MOHL/FSAU/SRCS in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 913 children between 6-59 months. Under-five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles immunisation coverage, vitamin A supplementation coverage, occurrence of diseases 15 days prior the survey and various food security and public health indicators.

Sudan

Tonga, Balliet, Fashoda and Malakal provinces, Upper Nile The survey was conducted by GOAL in collaboration with MOH and a number of agencies, in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 900 children between 6-59 months. Under-five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 12 months. The survey also estimated vaccination coverage, occurrence of disease 15 days prior to the survey, under-five feeding practices, water and sanitation status and sources of food.

Old Fangak district, Phou state, Upper Nile The survey was conducted by AAH-USA in March 2003. An exhaustive survey was carried out. The sample only included villages situated within a 4 hours walk from the centre of each Boma. 814 children between 6-59 months were measured. Under five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage.

Pagak district, Latjor state The survey was conducted by AAH-USA in April 2003. An exhaustive survey was carried out. The sample only included villages situated within a 4 hours walk from Pagak airstrip. 900 children between 6-59 months were measured. Under five and crude mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage.

IDP camps (Old and new arrivals), Kassala Two surveys were conducted by GOAL in April 2003, respectively in camps hosting "old" IDPs and "new" IDPs. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure respectively 896 and 893 children between 6-59 months. Under-five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 12 months. The survey also estimated vaccination coverage, occurrence of disease 15 days prior to the survey, under-five feeding practices, water and sanitation status and sources of food.

Wau town, Bahr el Ghazal The survey was conducted by ACF in February 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 954 children between 6-59 months. Under-five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage.

Eastern Bank, Marial Agieh, Bar Yar and Salvation IDP camps, Wau surroundings, Bahr el Ghazal Exhaustive surveys were conducted in each camp to measure respectively 420, 367, 203 and 66 children. Under-five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous three months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage.

Langkien, Bieh state, Jonglei The survey was conducted by MSF-H in June 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 570 children between 6-59 months. The sample only included villages situated within a 3 hours walk from Langkien. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage and general food distribution coverage.

Central Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo

East and West DRC The survey was conducted by IRC between September and November 2003. Ten health zone in each area were randomly chosen proportional to population. In each of the health zone, 15 clusters were assigned to the smallest unit to which population could be attributed; 15 households were visited in each cluster. The sample excluded areas which were not accessible for security reasons.

Baraka, Fizzi, South Kivu The survey was conducted by AAH-USA in October 2002. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 934 children between 6-59 months. The sample excluded one area of the town, which was not accessible for security reasons. The measles vaccination coverage was also estimated for children 9 to 59 months old.

Kabinda, Kalonda and Lubao health zone, Kasai Orientale Three surveys were conducted by PSF in September 2002, using a two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters. 907 children between 6-59 months were measured in Kabinda, 917 were measured in Kalonda and 935 were measured in Lubao.

Uganda

IDP camps, Gulu district The survey was conducted by AAH-USA in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 900 children between 6-59 months. The sample excluded 10 IDP camps, which were not accessible for security reasons. Crude and under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 3 months. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage and food distribution coverage.

Republic of Congo

IDP camps near Brazzaville Exhaustive surveys were conducted; 1256 children were measured in March 2003, 685 children were measured in June 2003.

Southern Africa

Angola

Ganda municipality, Benguela province The survey was conducted by ACH-S in March 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 952 children between 6-59 months. Crude and under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 3 months. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage and food distribution coverage.

Cubal municipality, Benguela province The survey was conducted by CRS in April 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 900 children between 6-59 months. Crude and under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 3 months. The survey also estimated vaccination coverage among the 12-23 month olds.

Balombo municipality, Benguela province The survey was conducted by CRS in April 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 900 children between 6-59 months. Crude and under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 3 months. The survey also estimated vaccination coverage among the 12-23 month olds.

Asia selected situations

Afghanistan region

Qaisar, Almar and Maimana district, Faryab province The survey was conducted by MSF-B in May 2003. A two-stage cluster sampling methodology of 30 clusters was used to measure 927 children between 6-59 months. Crude and under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 4 months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated various food security indicators.

"New" refugee camps, Balochistan province, Pakistan Two surveys were conducted by ACF in April 2003. Two-stage cluster sampling methodologies of 30 clusters were used to measure 918 in Dara 1, Dara 2, Roghani and Landi Karez, in the Chaman area and 923 children between 6-59 months in Mohamed Kheil and Latif Abad camps. Under five mortality was estimated retrospectively over the previous 3 months by the current household census method. The survey also estimated measles vaccination coverage and various food security indicators.

RNIS quarterly reports

The UN Standing Committee on Nutrition, which is the focal point for harmonizing policies in nutrition in the UN system, issues these reports on the nutrition of refugees and displaced people with the intention of raising awareness and facilitating action to improve the situation. This system was started on the recommendation of the SCN's working group on Nutrition of Refugees and Displaced People, by the SCN in February 1993. Based on suggestions made by the working group and the results of a survey of RNIS readers, the Reports on the Nutrition Situation of Refugees and Displaced People are published every three months.

The reports are designed to provide information over time on key outcome indicators from emergency affected populations, play an advocacy role in bringing to the attention of donors and humanitarian agencies the plight of emergency affected populations, and identify recurrent problems in international response capacity.

Information is obtained from a wide range of collaborating agencies, both UN and NGO. RNIS reports put together primarily from agency technical reports on nutrition, mortality rates, health and food security, in refugee and displaced populations.

RNIS reports are organised by "situation" because problems often cross national boundaries. We aim to cover internally displaced populations as well as refugees. Partly this is because the system is aimed at the most nutritionally vulnerable people in the world -- those forced to migrate -- and the problems of those displaced may be similar whether or not they cross national boundaries.

The reports provide a brief summary on the background of a given situation, including who is involved, why people are displaced and what their general situation is. This is followed by details on humanitarian situation, with focus on public nutrition and mortality rates. At the end of most of the situation descriptions, there is a section entitled "Recommendations and Priorities", which is intended to highlight the most pressing humanitarian needs. The recommendations are often put forward by agencies or individuals directly involved in assessments or humanitarian response programmes in the specific areas.

The key point of the reports is to interpret anthropometric data and to judge the various risks and threats to nutrition in both the long and short term.

Indicators, interpretation and classification

Nutrition and mortality survey methodologies and analysis are checked for compliance with internationally agreed standards (SMART, 2002; MSF, 2002; ACF, 2002 ).

Most of the surveys included in the RNIS reports are random sampled surveys, which are representative of the targeted area's population. RNIS may also report on rapid nutrition assessment results, which are not representative of the target population but rather give a rough idea of the nutrition situation. In that case, the limitations of this type of assessment are mentioned.

Most of the nutrition survey results included in the RNIS reports targets 6-59 months old children. If other age groups are included in a survey, RNIS may also report on these results. Detailed information on the surveys used in each RNIS issue is to be found at the back of the publication.

Nutrition indicators in 6-59 month olds

Unless specified, the RNIS reports use the following internationally agreed criteria:

• Wasting, defined as weigh-for-height index (w-h) < -2 Z-scores.
• Severe wasting, defined as weigh-for-height index < -3 Z-scores.
• Oedematous malnutrition or kwashiorkor, diagnosed as bilateral pitting oedema, usually on the upper sur- face of the feet. Oedematous malnutrition is always considered as severe malnutrition.
• Acute malnutrition, defined as the prevalence of wasting (w-h < -2 Z-scores) and/or oedema
• Severe acute malnutrition, defined as the prevalence of severe wasting (w-h < -3 Z-scores) and/or oe- dema.
• Stunting is usually not reported, but when it is, these definitions are used: stunting is defined as < - 2 Z-scores height-for-age, severe stunting is defined < - 3 Z-scores height-for-age.
• Mid-Upper-Arm Circumference (MUAC) is sometimes used to quickly assess nutrition situations. As there is no international agreement on MUAC cut-offs, RNIS reports the results according to the cut- offs used in the survey.
• Micro-nutrient deficiencies Mico-nutritient deficiencies are reported when data are available.

Nutrition indicators in adults

No international consensus on a definitive method or cut-off to assess adult under-nutrition has been reached (SCN, 2000). Different indicators, such as Body Mass Index (BMI, weight/height2), MUAC and oedema, as well as different cut-offs are used.