Effective Use of Near Real-time Monitoring System for Stunting Reduction in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: In Zimbabwe, 26.2 percent of children under five are stunted. Evidence has shown that multi-sector interventions are key to addressing stunting. Yet, practical implementation is difficult, often occurring through separate disjointed and uncoordinated sector actions with limited access to real time information for decision-making. Objective: To describe the design, implementation, successes, challenges and lessons learned from using a near-real time monitoring (NRTM) system as a monitoring tool for multi-sectoral community based model for stunting reduction in Zimbabwe. Methods: An open source technology was used to obtain the information needed on the multi-sectoral coordination process, provide a common platform to capture and present data on situational factors, community conditions and practices to be acted upon and thus contribute to reducing stunting. Results: Significant improvements in community data flows were noted; the system brought together several types of data, concepts, stakeholders and multi-sector energies into focused programming. Several challenges including conceptual issues, initial coordination, financial resources and missed partnership opportunities were documented. The introduction of the NRTM system resulted in improved data flows for programme monitoring and facilitated multi-sector collaboration. Conclusion: NRTM is an effective monitoring tool for the multi-sectoral community based model to reduce stunting in Zimbabwe.

Mid-Term Review of the Care Group Model Used in Five Pilot Districts in Zimbabwe

“…To promote and influence behaviour change towards uptake of optimal health, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, the care group approach is being piloted for one year in five rural districts of Zimbabwe which are Mwenezi, Chiredzi, Mutasa, Chipinge and Beitbridge. Four of the pilot districts (Mwenezi, Chiredzi, Chipinge and Mutasa) had existing food and nutrition security structures which were spearheading the Multisectoral Community Based Model (MCBM) for stunting reduction, providing an enabling environment for the introduction of the care group model [19]. Beitbridge district leveraged on efforts of the UK Soccer Aid funding which had partially supported the implementation the model.…”