Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) - 2024

The 2024 Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) was conducted in Mirqaan Refugee Camp, located in Bokh Woreda, Doolo Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Established in April 2023, the camp hosts over 52,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily displaced by the conflict in Lascanood. The survey aimed to assess the nutritional and public health status of the camp population and inform targeted interventions. Using the SENS Version 3 guidelines and SMART methodology, data were collected through a simple random sample of households between January 25–27, 2024. Modules included anthropometry, child health, infant and young child feeding (IYCF), food security (administered to a 50% household sub-sample), demography, and mortality. Results indicate a critical nutrition situation, with a Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate of 24.2% and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) prevalence of 3.8%, both exceeding emergency thresholds. The survey also highlights suboptimal IYCF practices, limited vaccination coverage, and gaps in preventive nutrition programming. Findings underscore the urgent need for multisectoral support to restore and strengthen nutrition and health services in Mirqaan camp.