Risks to the delivery of essential nutrition services in Eastern and Southern Africa in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Article on the analysis of routine nutrition data from HMIS, comparing continuity of essential nutrition services in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) before and during COVID-19. Two online questionnaires were also administered to UNICEF staff in all the 21 ESA countries in May and June 2020. The ESA region experienced reduced coverage of vitamin A supplementation among children 6-59 months, while wasting treatment recorded a mixed picture with a 14% overall decline in new admissions, but some countries also reflecting increases. Compared to 2019 there was an increase in the number of mothers and caregivers reached with counselling for improved IYCF. All the countries adopted the revised nutrition programming guidelines in the context of COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 to the health and nutrition wellbeing of children and women can't be underestimated. Countries in the region should strive to continue providing essential nutrition services while protecting children and women against the spread of COVID-19. Necessary response measures should be established to build resilience in the health and nutrition sectors to cope with the impact of COVID-19.