Methodology
This section provides the background, rationale and description of the methodological approach followed by the UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Joint Malnutrition Estimates (JME) group to generate national, regional and global estimates for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators 2.2.1 (child stunting), 2.2.2 (1) (child overweight) and 2.2.2 (2) (child wasting).
The UNICEF-WHO-World Bank joint child malnutrition estimates (‎JME)‎ standard methodology:...
Identification of data sources
WHO and UNICEF employ their existing networks to obtain microdata and reports to update the Joint Malnutrition Estimates database. Since the establishment of the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition (GDCGM) in 1986, WHO relies on its country and regional offices to identify and acquire data sources containing child malnutrition estimates. It also relies on an expanding network of international agencies, national statistics offices and survey implementers including the Demographic and Health Surveys, GroundWork Health, Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys and the Living Standard Measurement Surveys.
To submit a source for consideration in a future update of the GDCGM and the JME:
If you would like to share individual-level microdata:
- Please review the Data sharing requirements and instructions
- Contact nfsdata@who.int to begin the data sharing process
All individual-level microdata shared is stored in a secure WHO-managed repository.
For more information, please consult WHO policy on use and sharing of data.
If you would like to share tabulations:
- Option 1: Send final reports directly to nfsdata@who.int with the subject line: Data Source for Consideration. These final reports should also include information about the cover sampling design and methods, equipment used and response rates.
- Option 2: Analyze your data using WHO’s Anthro Survey Analyzer and send the data quality report, summary report and prevalence estimates to nfsdata@who.int with the subject line: Data Source for Consideration
- Option 3: Complete the data entry form and send it directly to nfsdata@who.int with the subject line: Data Source for Consideration
Data analysis
The WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer has been developed to facilitate re-running of nutritional survey data based on the standard methods. The tool aims to promote best practices on data collection, analyses and reporting of anthropometric indicators. It offers analysis for four indicators: length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age.
Recommendations for data collection, analysis and reporting on anthropometric indicators...
Country Level Modelled Estimates (Stunting and Overweight)
Since 2021, the JME group has published country-level time series estimates for stunting and overweight.
In line with WHO’s data principle to use transparent models and methods, all codes used to generate estimates for the latest round and prior rounds are openly available on WHO’s GitHub repository.