National nutrition information systems: modules 1–5

Overview

A national nutrition information system (NNIS) is a system for collecting, analyzing, storing, and disseminating nutrition information in a country. Routine data from a strong NNIS are key prerequisites for developing policies and programmes to address the nutrition issues in a timely manner. However, in many countries a well-functioning nutrition information system is not in place.

Establishing and strengthening NNIS is important. However, a global guidance on this topic has not been available. To fill this gap, the WHO-UNICEF Technical Expert Advisory group on nutrition Monitoring (TEAM) developed the first-ever global guidance on NNIS. These fundamental modules on NNIS provide a practical guidance to those engaged in at any level of nutrition data value chain.

This guidance will help countries establish a NNIS and/or integrate nutrition information system in the existing health management information system. Countries will be able to generate required quality and timely data for nutrition policies and programmes to address nutrition vulnerabilities of people.