SQUEAC Report, DS de Pout, Senegal, November 2015 (HKI)

Since 2014, Helen Keller International has been implementing a program to support the prevention of acute malnutrition among children aged 0 to 59 months—and particularly those aged 0 to 2 years—as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Pout health district, Thiès region, Senegal. The program covers the district’s 8 health posts.

This SQUEAC survey assessed the program’s impact as well as the barriers and challenges that remain. The single-visit coverage rate¹ is 50.6% (95% CI ≈ 40.0%–61.2%). This rate is in line with the SPHERE standard (50%) in rural areas. Coverage is uneven, with areas of low coverage, particularly in villages located more than 10 km from a health post or that do not have a health clinic. This study is the first of its kind conducted in the district and has helped identify barriers to access and participation in the program and develop an action plan to improve access to care.