Project Details.

UNICEF is supporting the provincial government of Sindh in responding to the emergency nutrition needs in flood-affected districts. As part of the ongoing response, UNICEF is strengthening the monitoring of the nutrition situation by establishing a surveillance system in selected health facilities where routine emergency-related nutrition indicators are monitored over time. 

Complementing the information generated from health facility data with data from periodic SMART surveys is foreseen to serve as early warning information to trigger preventive, promotional, and lifesaving treatment in nutrition, protection, and other basic services. This is also envisioned to promote early action, strengthen resilience, and facilitate a faster recovery from any potential shocks. HCPL adopted the Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART) methodology and WHO-recommended methodology for IYCF core indicators, ensuring comprehensive data collection. HCPL employed a two-stage sampling approach, calculating district-specific sample sizes using ENA for SMART software and implementing a probability proportion to size (PPS) method for cluster selection. 

HCPL conducted intensive 5-day training for survey teams, covering theoretical knowledge, practical anthropometry, and a rigorous Standardization Test (ST) to ensure enumerator precision and accuracy. Teams undertook pilot testing in a local village, refining their skills in sampling, data collection, and equipment handling to build confidence before actual survey execution. HCPL deployed 4-5 teams per district, collecting data using hard forms and permanent ballpoint pens to prevent manipulation while adopting a systematic approach to data entry into ENA for the SMART and MS Access databases. 

HCPL emphasized data quality from the outset, providing clear training on survey objectives, ethical protocols, and methodology, and maintaining ongoing monitoring by UNICEF and local authorities. Regular plausibility checks were carried out during data collection using ENA software, with daily debriefing sessions and on-ground supervision to maintain data quality. 

HCPL enlisted SMART survey and data experts for accurate data analysis using ENA software for anthropometric indicators and MS Access for other datasets like MIYCF, WASH, and food security. HCPL's technical lead, SMART experts, and survey manager collaborated to produce district-specific reports, an executive summary, and a master final report, incorporating insights from both data analysis and routine monitoring.