(P23-004-24) Barriers to and Facilitators of Micronutrient Data Collection, Analyses and Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Objectives: Micronutrient intake and status assessments are not routinely conducted at the national level in many countries. This research aimed to examine the barriers to and facilitators of micronutrient data collection, analysis, and use across the data value chain.

Methods: Country selection was based on data typologies (‘data rich’ or ‘data constrained’). In-depth interviews, conducted using a semi-structured guide, involved key informants from Afghanistan, Laos, Kenya (lacking recent micronutrient surveys, i.e. ‘data constrained’) and in Malawi, Senegal, and Somalia (with relatively recent micronutrient surveys, i.e. ‘data rich’). Interviews, lasting ~60 minutes, were conducted online, recorded, transcribed, and translated (if needed). Qualitative data analysis software was used to review and develop the codebook from transcripts. Deductive codes, derived from the DataDENT data value chain framework, and inductive codes from the interview data were utilized. All coded segments were thematically analyzed, and preliminary findings are presented below.

Results: ‘Data constrained’ countries faced hurdles such as shifting leadership priorities and a lack of nutrition champions across leadership changes, making it challenging to secure financing for micronutrient data collection. Additionally, dissemination efforts fostering micronutrient data- and evidence-based decision-making were often underfunded, perpetuating inertia in investing in the data value chain. Conversely, relatively ‘data rich’ environments benefitted from in-country multisectoral technical working groups that helped prioritize micronutrient data collection. Stronger data value chains were observed in these countries where efforts to foster institutional ownership and partnerships enhanced capacity in data analyses and effectiveness in targeted and sustained advocacy.

Conclusions: A reliance on outdated micronutrient data persisted in ‘data constrained’ contexts, often resulting in ad-hoc decisions on micronutrient programs in the country. Where recent data were available, independent experts and technical working groups played a vital role in reviewing and suggesting policy directions, fostering informed decision-making processes for micronutrient programs in those contexts.

Funding Sources: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation