The Gambia National Nutrition Survey 2015

Providing an informed analysis on the nutrition situation in The Gambia, using the Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief Transition (SMART) Methods

Baby is being fed porridge made from locally-available foods, while other women look on
UNICEF Gambia/2018/Noorani

Highlights

As malnutrition is a significant contributor to child morbidity and mortality, it is critical to h ave quality, relevant and timely information to monitor the nutritional status of children under five and other vulnerable groups. The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), in collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders, proposed a national nutrition survey using the Standardized Monitoring and Assessment in Relief and Transitions (SMART) method during the same period the 2012 National Nutrition Survey was conducted to generate standardized data on nutrition and mortality.

The National Nutrition Survey will provide data for timely action, program planning and long-term monitoring for the government, donor communities, public and international communities working in the health and nutrition portfolio in the country. The survey specifically assessed the following: 

  • the prevalence of acute malnutrition (including prevalence of bilateral oedema) of children from 6 to 59 months
  • the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and underweight of children from 6 to 59 months
  • the prevalence of low BMI, obesity, and acute malnutrition in women of reproductive age groups (15-49 years of age)
  • the crude and under-five death rate
Cover of the National Nutrition Survey report
Author(s)
UNICEF The Gambia, National Nutrition Agency
Publication date
Languages
English

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