Improving coverage: lessons learned from the Coverage Monitoring Network
The CMN is an inter-agency initiative established in 2012 in order to improve nutrition programmes through the promotion of quality coverage assessment tools, capacity building and information sharing. The CMN offers trainings and workshops on the various coverage methods, as well as guidance on how to overcome the barriers identified. Furthermore, the CMN provides many online resources and toolkits to assist in the implementation of coverage assessments.
Coverage Monitoring Network
Following the CMN’s core objectives and in line with the findings made in its first phase of implementation, this compilation of learning outputs addresses three core areas of interest that have an effect on coverage of SAM treatment services: a) awareness of malnutrition and the functioning of SAM treatment programmes; b) community engagement and community ownership of central elements of SAM treatment; and c) quality of care and co-ordinated supply of CMAM services in nine priority countries.
As a result, the Phase II of the CMN concentrated on gathering learnings and experiences around particular actions taken to address those core areas. Collecting evidence of the effectiveness of actions taken meant strengthening the monitoring of individual programmes’ performance, and also identifying best practices and recommendations that had a proven effect on improving access to treatment, focussing especially on rolling out community mobilisation activities and strengthening the quality of care.
In this document, lessons and other learning outcomes on actions which can be taken to address the three core areas have been identified through a series of mechanisms, ranging from the coverage assessments conducted in the nine priority countries, to specific case studies addressing questions related to coverage of CMAM. Most learnings were evaluated and systematised by the CMN team through feedback loops with programme staff in the field and with CMN’s staff.