Introduction
Nutrition in Emergencies is a vital aspect of humanitarian response aimed at preventing malnutrition, saving lives, and protecting the health and development of vulnerable populations during and after crises. Emergencies—whether caused by natural disasters, armed conflicts, disease outbreaks, or forced displacement—disrupt food systems, strain health services, and increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among children under five, pregnant and lactating women, and other at-risk groups.
This comprehensive course equips humanitarian professionals, nutritionists, public health workers, and program managers with the essential skills and knowledge to assess, plan, implement, and monitor emergency nutrition interventions. Participants will gain a practical understanding of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive strategies, global guidelines, and context-adapted tools to effectively address acute and chronic nutrition needs in emergency settings.
What Is Nutrition in Emergencies?
Nutrition in emergencies refers to the coordinated actions taken to prevent and treat malnutrition, ensure adequate dietary intake, and maintain the nutritional status of affected populations during humanitarian crises. It includes both immediate life-saving interventions and long-term strategies that restore community resilience and food security.
The approach involves multi-sectoral coordination, covering food security, health, water and sanitation, and protection, with the aim of upholding the right to food and adequate nutrition under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the causes and consequences of malnutrition in emergency contexts.
- Conduct nutrition assessments and analyze context-specific vulnerabilities.
- Apply global standards and protocols for managing acute malnutrition.
- Design and implement emergency nutrition programs for different population groups.
- Coordinate with multi-sectoral partners to ensure an integrated response.
- Monitor and evaluate nutrition outcomes using appropriate indicators and tools.
Key Interventions in Nutrition in Emergencies
Management of Acute Malnutrition (MAM and SAM)
Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
- Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)
- Use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs)
- Referral to inpatient care for complicated cases
Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E)
- Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding
- Ensuring safe formula feeding when necessary
- Setting up mother-baby areas and counseling services
- Training caregivers and frontline workers in IYCF-E practices
Micronutrient Supplementation
- Vitamin A supplementation campaigns
- Iron and folic acid distribution for pregnant women
- Micronutrient powders for young children
- Food fortification in collaboration with WASH and food security sectors
Blanket and Targeted Feeding Programs
- Blanket Supplementary Feeding: For all children under 5 and pregnant/lactating women
- Targeted Supplementary Feeding: For those identified with moderate malnutrition
- Distribution of fortified food rations and high-energy biscuits in acute crises
Why Nutrition in Emergencies Matters
Saving Lives and Preventing Long-Term Harm
Malnutrition is a major cause of death in emergencies, especially for children under five. Even short-term nutritional deprivation can lead to irreversible physical and cognitive damage. Rapid, targeted nutrition interventions can prevent fatalities and reduce lifelong disabilities.
Addressing the Underlying Causes of Malnutrition
Emergencies often create complex, overlapping vulnerabilities:
- Inadequate food access
- Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
- Disease outbreaks (e.g., cholera, measles)
- Disrupted breastfeeding and infant feeding practices
- Displacement and overcrowded shelters
Nutrition in emergencies aims to address both the direct and indirect causes of malnutrition through coordinated, multisectoral action.
Upholding Human Rights and International Commitments
Under international humanitarian law, governments and humanitarian agencies are obligated to protect populations’ right to adequate nutrition. Emergency nutrition programs align with the Sphere Standards, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
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Types and Causes of Malnutrition in Emergencies
Participants will explore the key forms of malnutrition in humanitarian contexts:
- Wasting (acute malnutrition): Rapid weight loss due to insufficient energy intake and illness
- Stunting (chronic malnutrition): Long-term growth failure due to prolonged undernutrition
- Micronutrient deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, vitamin A)
- Overnutrition: Often overlooked, but relevant in protracted crises where poor-quality food is available
Key Interventions in Nutrition in Emergencies
Participants will analyze real-life projects where gender mainstreaming either strengthened or weakened program outcomes.
Assessments and Data Collection
- SMART surveys (Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions)
- MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) screening
- Weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) and BMI
- Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) assessments
- Nutrition causal analysis (NCA)
- Use of Rapid Nutrition Assessments in acute emergencies
Integration with Other Sectors
- Health: Immunization, deworming, diarrhea and malaria treatment
- WASH: Hygiene promotion, safe water access, sanitation facilities
- Food Security and Livelihoods: Cash transfers, food distributions, market support
- Protection: Safeguarding children, preventing exploitation at food distribution points
- Education: School feeding and nutrition education
Coordination and Global Frameworks
Participants will gain insight into the coordination mechanisms that ensure efficient response:
- Nutrition Cluster coordination model (co-led by UNICEF and partners)
- Global and national cluster structures
- Inter-sector coordination platforms
- Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and Flash Appeals
The course also introduces key guidelines and partners:
- Sphere Standards in Nutrition
- WHO and UNICEF guidelines
- Global Nutrition Cluster (GNC) resources
- The role of UN agencies, NGOs, and governments
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
- Nutrition officers and technical specialists
- Humanitarian program managers
- Health and public health professionals
- WASH, food security, and protection actors
- NGO, UN, and government staff working in crisis settings
- Medical staff and emergency responders
- Students and researchers in global health and nutrition
Methodology
The course is delivered through a hands-on, participatory format:
- Expert-led lectures and technical briefings
- Case-based learning and group simulations
- Practical sessions on anthropometric tools and survey design
- Scenario analysis for real-time response planning
- Program design workshops and peer review
Participants will receive toolkits, templates, and guidelines to support implementation in the field.
Outcome for the Course Sponsor
Sponsoring this course demonstrates a strong commitment to humanitarian leadership and community wellbeing. By investing in this training, your organization:
- Strengthens emergency preparedness and response capacity
- Improves the quality and accountability of field programs
- Contributes to global efforts to reduce hunger and child mortality
- Aligns with donor and international standards on nutrition in emergencies
Ultimately, it ensures your team is equipped to deliver life-saving, dignified, and effective nutrition assistance where it is needed most.
