Impact evaluation of WFP’s programs targeting moderate acute malnutrition in humanitarian situations in Chad
Study examined the interrelation between prevention and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on children aged 6–23 months
Abstract
This study examined the interrelation between prevention and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on children aged 6–23 months. Although MAM affects an estimated 33 million children worldwide and is associated with more nutrition-related deaths than severe acute malnutrition, the most effective way of addressing MAM is still not understood.
The study took place in the Bahr el Ghazal (BEG) region of Chad, where the World Food Programme (WFP) implements targeted supplementary feeding programmes (TSFP) for children aged under 5 years and pregnant and lactating women in areas where Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) exceeds 10%, and a blanket supplementary feeding program (BSFP) during the lean season in areas of high food insecurity where GAM exceeds 15%.
The study used quasi-experimental methods to assess the impact of BSFP on nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months and sought to answer the question: What is the difference in impact of BSFP on the incidence and prevalence of MAM in acute and protracted emergencies on children aged under 2 years when access to MAM treatment (TSFP) is good or poor?
The study concluded that BSFP has a positive effect on MAM incidence in children aged 6–23 months during the lean season. There was some evidence that BSFP especially protects the older age group within that range and strong evidence that BSFP protects households subject to seasonal livelihoods (agriculture and herding). Households with more access to TSFP (closest to health centre or mobile clinic) also have lower MAM incidence.
The study is an output from the Department for International Development’s Humanitarian Innovation and Evidence Programme: greater use of evidence and innovation in humanitarian responses.
Citation
Saboya, M, Rudiger, J, Frize, J, Ruegenberg, D, Rodríguez Seco, A and McMillon, C, 2018. Impact evaluation of WFP’s programs targeting moderate acute malnutrition in humanitarian situations in Chad. 3ie Impact Evaluation Report 78. New Delhi: International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). Available at: doi: https://doi.org/10.23846/tw6IE78
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