Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition Surveillance is defined as a regular and timely collection, analysis and reporting of data on nutrition risk factors, nutritional status and nutrition related diseases in the population. In Malawi Nutrition Surveillance System (NSS) started in May 2003, it was aimed at providing early warning signs on acute malnutrition among under-five children for timely response. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of NSS in Malawi from 2005. Specifically the study assessed: quality of data, institutional capacity, utilisation of information, factors that affecting its utilisation and also conducted a SWOT analysis of NSS since its inception. Methodology: The study was conducted in 9 randomly selected districts. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and review of secondary data. Data was analyzed using Analy-nut and Microsoft office excel. Results: On average, only 42 %( 3824) of the total required data (9100) was being collected, of this 77% (2957) was usable for analysis. On average, bulletin production delayed by 6 weeks and 4 days from date of data collection to reporting. The study revealed that surveillance information is not utilised both at district and national levels. It was also found that none of the Districts evaluated had included surveillance activities in the current District Implementation Plans (DIP).Conclusion: The study reveals that the system has been set up but it is shaky due to poor coordination between AAH and MoH rendering the hand over process by November 2007 unattainable. Although the system has been functional for three years in well established structures, lack of participation by MoH, non inclusion of NSS activities in the DIPs underpin its sustainability. Data quality and quantity was also found to be of major concern, it is therefore important for MoH to strengthen the programme for it to start achieving its objectives.

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School	: College of Medicine
Issued Date	: 2008

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