Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey 2018 (Nepal)

Abstract

The UNHCR Standardized Expanded Nutrition Surveys (SENS) provide regular nutrition data that play a key role in delivering effective and timely interventions to ensure good nutritional outcomes among populations affected by forced displacement. This survey was conducted in October 2018 in Beldangi and Sanischare Refugee Camps Nepal to measure the nutrition status of Bhutanese refugees, located in Province 1, Jhapa and Morang Districts. At the time of the survey, there were 6,656 refugees living in both camps, following a large resettlement programme in previous years. UNHCR and partners work in consultation with the local government to increase refugees’ access to nearby government health facilities to achieve sustainable and adequate health services for both refugees and local communities. The nutrition programme was discontinued from the camps in 2016 considering the camp stability, population reduction and improved nutrition status.

The main objective of the nutrition survey was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia in children aged 6-59 months and anaemia prevalence in non-pregnant women 15-49 years old and formulate workable recommendations for appropriate nutritional and public health interventions. Additional data was collected on coverage of vitamin A supplementation, deworming, supplementary feeding programme, antenatal care program and Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practicesin the camps.